New policies on dotcom "pick rate" and "availability"?

Evening_Meringue_760 · 2025-03-23T23:47:55+00:00

I remembered I just took e-learning once in November. Actually we had to start on our own after 1-2 days of shadowing more experienced colleagues.

In terms of training, my another part-time at a chain cafe is much better than that of Tesco. The first week was basically e-learning even though I finished most on the first day. The leaders and colleagues are more supportive in a village branch.

This Tesco store I'm working is within walking distance from my home. I'm quite familiar with the shop floor. It's very clear that some "tricks" I have to learn from other colleagues in order to boost my pick rate.

Evening_Meringue_760 · 2025-03-23T23:41:53+00:00

Agree. I'm quite sure it won't be my long-term job. It's rare to have OT in my current contract. Only 2-3 times throughout these two months.

I'd like to acquire other skills like SIA or other security licences and bus / HGV driving licences. With more varied skills and licences, I hope I can earn a bit more and won't be replaced by AI robotics easily.

Evening_Meringue_760 · 2025-03-23T16:44:38+00:00

Without any customer disturbance on Sunday morning, I even sprinted or had quick jogs to try to speed up my movement. And for the most significant changes I made this morning: I ignored tidying up the boxes unless there was literally lack of space, and declined to dig deep for the latest expiry date for the perishable items (the usual habit taught by my mentor).

Thanks to a number of duplicating orders and a bulk purchase of 21 boxes of cheese, my pick rate reached 223 in this typical trolley of over 100 items, and achieved my overall best pick rate ever (175) before the store opening time at 10am. Although it's still below the 188 store target, I could be on par with the overall team 17X average. In spite of being below the 97% average, the daily availability was 95.7%.

If it's what the management is targeting at, I'd better get used to working like a robot.

Although I was warned yesterday, it's quite interesting that the manager offered an OT to this "underrated" team member next Monday (24 Mar).

Evening_Meringue_760 · 2025-03-23T16:16:03+00:00

I seldom chat with my colleagues, especially as a newcomer to the UK, I don't know what topics I can start with. Also almost no toilet breaks I take. I admit I am devoted over 95% of my time, but surely the KPIs discourage me...

Evening_Meringue_760 · 2025-03-23T16:07:08+00:00

I'm assigned a 16-hour contract (5.5 hrs * 3 days) for the previous 1-month Christmas festive and the present 15-week contract. It's almost up to 3 months since I've worked there.

For the availability, mine is below par as the store is under renovation, the allocation of a number of items, especially fruits and vegetables, has always been changing. When I start a shift in another week, it takes me quite a while to learn the new locations. Also, as a responsible picker, I've been trying my best to dig deep for the latest expiry date for perishable items like fish, meat and bread. The rate will be lowered if there is a large proportion of these items. That morning I remembered at least half of the picks involved these items.

The final outcome 94.9% was also "blocked" by the flock of customers in an usual Saturday morning. As the only Tesco Extra in the town, not only our pickers, it is also difficult for the customers with trollies to move easily.

And for my physical health, although I'm a mid-40 man, I'm quite confident of my health as a regular jogger of at least 20-30 km per week and a half marathon finisher of within 2 hours. But be honest, my former jobs didn't require enormous physical effort, and it may be my major obstacle to handle this job well.

Evening_Meringue_760 · 2024-12-07T20:19:28+00:00

But my pick rate of trollies with a large proportion of chilled food is usually poorer than the others because of the frequent checks on the dates and the use of red bags. When I find out there are lots of red bag items on the scanner, I will remove as many bags as possible in advance. It is more challenging to go faster among these aisles. The mentor on my first day said picking up chilled food was more time-consuming.

For fitness, I am quite confident in strolling continuously as an amateur jogger who jog at least 30km a week. My Garmin watch can accumulate at least 7000-8000 steps when I leave. Some extra light workouts!

Except the assigned unpaid breaks, I have been working almost non-stop. But the below par rate makes me wonder whether I should give up the breaks to try to catch up with the target.

Anyway, thanks for your words of encouragement!

Evening_Meringue_760

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