Trader Joe's – “Good for students and those seeking minimal hours and still get benefits”

Pros

Co-workers are the best, very casual. It's great to have full benefits and still work 3-4 days per week. Regular reviews often with pay raises (if you get a good productive store and captain). Flexible schedule fits w/ schooling.

Cons

Stockroom is so full that it makes you lift boxes unsafely, and this is likely not to change. There are many repetitive injuries and slipped disks, especially among full timers. There's a lot of lip service regarding safety that turns into puns in the weekly bulletin. Effective communication is an uphill battle, and real problem-solving skills are hard to find. Forget having weekends off consistently- many people (esp full timers) have to "turnaround" (close, then open next morn).

Advice to Senior Management

Be consistent w/ other full timers in everything you do- many FTers drop the ball and get too overwhelmed. If safety really is important, hire a physical therapist to teach stretches/strengthening exercises (in video format?) Get ergonomic check stands. Make permanent space for workers to stretch. Get automated order-writing system instead of pencil & paper. Be more preventative when it comes to safety.