Are we staffed for Success?

Staffing- Do we have enough hands to perform our daily tasks efficiently?

DISCUSSION

ThePurplePlague

11/27/20252 min read

As we navigate the opening days of Peak Season, every single team member on the floor is giving 100%. We see it in the way you tackle the volume, the way you support your neighbors on the belt, clearing the floor, loading the trains, and the resilience you show during this first six-day work week. The dedication of this team is unquestionable.

But as we look at the overflowing chutes and the constant pressure of the clock, a fundamental question arises: Are we truly staffed for success, or are we simply staffed to survive?

The Difference Between "Busy" and "Overwhelmed"

There is a distinct difference between a busy, high-volume hub and an under-resourced one.

  • A "Staffed for Success" environment allows for high volume while maintaining standard operating procedures. It means having enough hands to perform a proper Team Lift on a 75-pound package without stopping the entire line. It means having the coverage to take a bathroom break without fearing the sort will collapse.

  • An "Overwhelmed" environment forces dedicated employees to abandon safety protocols just to keep the building running.

When we look at our current reality—where the mandatory six-day schedule has become the default solution for volume management—we have to ask if this is the most efficient way to operate. Is the reliance on overtime a sign of high demand, or is it a signal that our daily headcount isn't aligned with the work in front of us?

Efficiency is a Safety Issue

We ask this question not to point fingers, but because staffing levels are directly tied to our ability to follow the "Safety Above All" policy.

When a lane is staffed by one person instead of two, flow rates that should be manageable suddenly become hazardous. When we are short-handed, the mental fatigue from rushing leads to mistakes, and in our line of work, a mistake can mean a first aid, an injury, or could cost one of our team members' lives.

True efficiency isn't just about clearing the building; it's about clearing the building safely and sustainably, ensuring that the team comes back tomorrow healthy and ready to work.

What is Your Experience?

We believe that the best way to improve our hub is to look at the data honestly. Does your area feel staffed to handle the flow safely? Do you feel supported by the schedule, or strained by it?

We are gathering anonymous data to understand the true relationship between staffing levels, safety, and morale during this Peak Season. Help us answer the question: Are we set up to succeed?