Sector guide
Manufacturing, warehouse and logistics
Production and warehouse work often has clear, repeatable processes, which suits many people who like structure and focus. Noise, targets and shift work are the things to plan for.
Roles that often work well
Picker and packer, machine operator, quality checker, assembler, forklift trainee, delivery assistant
Common barriers
- Noise, bright light and a busy environment
- Productivity targets and time pressure
- Night shifts and rotating patterns
Quick adjustments
- Ear defenders or a quieter workstation
- Targets that build up gradually over the first weeks
- Colour coding and visual work instructions
- Fixed rather than rotating shifts
Extra steps in your plan
Identify a quieter workstation
Knowing where noise, light and traffic are lowest lets you offer a sensory-friendly position from the start.
Get ready · Recommended · 15 min
Build up productivity targets gradually
Agree stepped targets for the first weeks and review them together. Full targets from day one are a common cause of early drop-out.
Onboard · Essential · 15 min
Use visual work instructions
Photos, colour codes and floor markings make processes easier to learn and reduce errors for everyone.
Onboard · Recommended · Half a day
Turn this into your own plan
Choose your type of business and who you are hiring, and get one checklist that tracks your progress, plus a tracker for each new hire's first six months.
This toolkit is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules on recruitment, adjustments and support schemes differ between countries, so check with your local employment service or an adviser.