First week as Postman

dwyer86 · Post by **dwyer86** » 04 Dec 2018, 15:58

I started working for Royal as a postman last week. During my induction day I was told I would be assigned a workplace coach to assist with my training for the first week. Instead of this happening I felt like there was no plan for me, and I was put on with a rural postman who was not expecting me. My second day I was put on a walking route with a different postman again who was not expecting me. I was then told that I would be completing this route unsupervised from the next day, I have been doing this since but have found it very difficult so far.

I have found completing this route alone very difficult, as I am unsure of how to best prepare for delivery, the best route to take, a large number of parcels slows me down, and puts my trolley at a very high capacity (I struggle to close the lid at the start of the day). I have not yet been able to complete a round due to time constraints with my childcare, I am contracted to work untill 3 but am not getting back to the depot untill well after this which is causing me a lot of problems.

I have only briefly been introduced to my manager, I have not been assigned a workplace coach, nor has anyone trained me according to the delivery learning record. I feel like I have been given very little support and just been made to get on with it, as an employee with previous managerial experience this is a very poor way to train staff. I take pride in what I do and like to do my job to a high standard, but at this stage I do need more support.

I understand Christmas is a busy time for the depot, but surely this should mean I would need more support as a new starter. Is the way my first week in Royal Mail the normal way of training new starters, will I be trained according to the Delivery learning record (none of which has been done so far, and I am completing unsupervised deliveries), and am I likely to have a workplace coach in the near future.

I want to succeed in Royal Mail, but without the proper support and training, I feel like I am being setup to fail.

joewyan · Post by **joewyan** » 04 Dec 2018, 22:38

This certainly doesn’t sound ideal but at this time of year I don’t know why they take on new starters (apart from Xmas temps) as it’s not fair on the new starters.
In response to you saying you don’t know which is the best route to take, didn’t you do the route with a postman on day two? What way did you do it then?
You should not be taking out a HCT if you can’t lock the tops. Is there not a drop off point they could leave later bags at? Otherwise you need to speak to your manager to get some larger parcels removed so you can secure your mail.

Post by **Brandy** » 04 Dec 2018, 22:43

Four words Welcome to Royal Mail!

Seymour Buts · Post by **Seymour Buts** » 04 Dec 2018, 22:43

You won't get a coach again, unless you're REALLY struggling in my experiance. Quite frankly, it's ludacrous them starting you at this time of the year. You need to make clear you have child care issues and can't be late, either that means them getting you out earlier or you're gonna be leaving stuff as you'll be unable to complete. They'll quickly learn then. You sound like you've got a good attitude, stand up for yourself and you'll be fine.

LaggyBand · Post by **LaggyBand** » 04 Dec 2018, 22:48

I feel for you mate, I hate to see new starters struggling, I always try and help despite not being a workplace coach; there is lots of brilliant advice already on these forums for new starters, but the short answer is this:

Do the best you can and work your time.

Don’t feel bad approaching your manager telling them you can’t finish; if they press you, do not take it personally, it is a trick they have learned as an effective method of getting the mail out of the door.

As long as they can see you are trying, then it is almost certain you will be kept on (never known anyone to not be in nearly twenty years, the only ones that don’t stay quit, and that’s because they didn’t feel comfortable following this same advice).

It’s terribly difficult to take this approach in a new job, but I assure you, if you clear the walks, you will not be helped.

I hope you don’t take this advice badly, I’m just telling the truth. I wish you luck.

Post by **azza30** » 04 Dec 2018, 22:52

Unfortunately this is a very common occurrence. RM lie to get you to apply for a PT job.

The management then coax/ demand/ intimidate/ demoralise you in order to try and make you submit to working how they want you to work - never mind the commitments you have. The use techniques like saying 'you can come in earlier to help out'. But you will just find yourself with more work to do before you go out. They will tell you the walk must be finished or it's wilful delay. But it's not that simple - especially for a newbie.

Have a good look through these forums, join the Union ASAP, never believe the managers and always speak to colleagues with caution - they may well be chummy with the management.

LaggyBand · Post by **LaggyBand** » 04 Dec 2018, 22:57

Reading through the advice already here through the eyes of a new guy makes me realise what we have all gotten used to! Pretty crazy

Post by **Navalron** » 05 Dec 2018, 12:02

dwyer86 wrote:I started working for Royal as a postman last week. During my induction day I was told I would be assigned a workplace coach to assist with my training for the first week. Instead of this happening I felt like there was no plan for me, and I was put on with a rural postman who was not expecting me. My second day I was put on a walking route with a different postman again who was not expecting me. I was then told that I would be completing this route unsupervised from the next day, I have been doing this since but have found it very difficult so far.

I have found completing this route alone very difficult, as I am unsure of how to best prepare for delivery, the best route to take, a large number of parcels slows me down, and puts my trolley at a very high capacity (I struggle to close the lid at the start of the day). I have not yet been able to complete a round due to time constraints with my childcare, I am contracted to work untill 3 but am not getting back to the depot untill well after this which is causing me a lot of problems.

I have only briefly been introduced to my manager, I have not been assigned a workplace coach, nor has anyone trained me according to the delivery learning record. I feel like I have been given very little support and just been made to get on with it, as an employee with previous managerial experience this is a very poor way to train staff. I take pride in what I do and like to do my job to a high standard, but at this stage I do need more support.

I understand Christmas is a busy time for the depot, but surely this should mean I would need more support as a new starter. Is the way my first week in Royal Mail the normal way of training new starters, will I be trained according to the Delivery learning record (none of which has been done so far, and I am completing unsupervised deliveries), and am I likely to have a workplace coach in the near future.

I want to succeed in Royal Mail, but without the proper support and training, I feel like I am being setup to fail.

IT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH. I no your new in the job but you have to be tough with the management from day one of you will become a doormat. It doesn't matter if it's xmas, that's their problem to manage, and being on awalk/round for one day won't cut it, and you probably split some streets with the normal postie anyway. You NEED to go back in and confront your manager in firm but fair way and explain your problems. ALL the walks should be covered anyway as their is no annual leave at this time of the year. Also join the union and seek out your rep, who should be approaching you. It doesn't matter how long the delivery takes you, it will get easier and you get quicker as long as you are putting the correct letters through the intended door then your home free. If you need to Finnish on your time then Finnish on time. Their is a cut of procedure again seek out your rep/senior posties who's helpful. It is a rubbish time to start but that's RMs problem so chill, take it easy, it's a steep learning curve but once you let go of the pressure and know the rules then it still is one of the best jobs around. Welcome and enjoy.

Postie45 · Post by **Postie45** » 05 Dec 2018, 15:04

i dont think anyone is surprised this is how many new starters are treated. As someone else said your best course of action is seeing the union rep and having a chat with them about how things have been going. Any rep worth his salt would insist you get proper training and not be sent out alone on deliveries yet.

WiltsVilla · Post by **WiltsVilla** » 05 Dec 2018, 20:27

I started last Wednesday, my experience hasn't been too bad. Wednesday did a short walking route with a coach. Thursday did a shared van round but with 3 of us, one showing me the route, Friday off and Saturday the same as Thursday. To be ready to do the full part of the van share myself for the rest of the month.
I was all ready and confident to start the week but management decided it was too much for the new starters (there were 3 of us). All of us were put on rounds requiring 3 for the rest of the month.
I would have preferred to stick to the first round to get everything figured out but I suppose I'm going to get lots of new rounds over the coming months.

GarryAc · Post by **GarryAc** » 08 Dec 2018, 16:26

I started two weeks ago, one day in the van on a rural route, then three days on a walking route in town with another postie, then the same route on my own... All blocks of flats, I've worked out the best route to take etc.... Christmas is bonkers...someone said to me if you can get through Christmas you'll be fine. I'm coming in an hour early our I wouldn't finish on time....managers are good about it and giving me overtime for the extra hour. I'm actually enjoying it apart for the last few days I've been on dosed up with painkillers a strapped up for a shin splint....and I do wish they would turn the heating down in the flats

Post by **Seagull1983** » 09 Dec 2018, 12:43

I’m relatively new (2 months) and my advice is to try and stay calm, tell your manager your issues re. Time to do job, ask experienced posties advice. It’s a crazy time to start, but if (and you will) get through Christmas you’ll be fine and the whole starting process will become a “funny” story in time to come. Good luck and cut off if you have to.

Celgar · Post by **Celgar** » 09 Dec 2018, 19:34

The way the frame is set out should be the route that you pull out and deliver the mail. After two days, when you will make some mistakes, you should know where you are going mostly. The prep is another matter and takes weeks to get proficient at. Make sure you only take the parcels you can carry & handle securely.

LacyW84 · Post by **LacyW84** » 19 Jun 2021, 22:15

Hi I know this is a late reply to this post but I just came across it so I hope someone can reply and help me out too.
I’ve just finished me 3rd week at RM and I’m really STRUGGLING too!! I really want to get the hang of it and do it well but I’m getting so overwhelmed with my delivery.
I have to do a parcel run in the morning, which is always massive and I’m getting back late to start my normal round. I’m always finishing around 5-6pm and I’m exhausted.
I did my round for 4 days with a postie and now I’m on my own. It just seems to take me forever as it’s such a big round.
I’ve tried speaking to management and said I’m panicking and getting stressed by it but they keep saying “stop worrying, you’ll get it, take your time, you’re doing great” etc etc but I don’t feel great! I’m stressed as soon as I wake up and I walk in the office and see my York and think “oh my god”
I always feel on the back foot and constantly rushed as I don’t want to keep finishing at 6pm as it’s shattering.
What would you guys advise?
Thanks in advance.

Pmac87 · Post by **Pmac87** » 20 Jun 2021, 08:34

I started at the beginning of the year and can feel your pain. The biggest thing I had to learn is turn off the part of your brain that makes you feel like you need to complete everything.

If you don’t feel like you’ll complete everything in the time, start making a plan what you can bring back and not deliver. As long as you tell your managers, tell them you’re risking burning out by doing the extra hours, it shouldn’t be a problem.
I used to push myself to finish everything and was doing similar hours to you. When I started to leave a loop or two of Mail, it took the pressure off and gave me the breathing space to slowly build up speed.

Managers are very reluctant to say you can leave anything, but they do know it’s hard to complete when you’re new so won’t have a go if you do.

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