Blog #257: Why I Would Like to See More Neurodiverse Employment at Distribution Centers
- Jeffrey Snyder
- Jul 19, 2022
- 2 min read
Stop and Shop New England Distribution Center in Freetown, MA
As a hard working neurodiverse employer for the top grocery store chain in the northeastern United States, I have had the opportunity to witness and sometimes interact with the Teamsters that are the backbone of my place of employment.
But in recent years, I couldn’t help but wonder if there is or should be more neurodiverse representation at distribution centers not just for Stop and Shop Supermarkets, but for other companies as well such as in retail, restaurant, etc. Being a porter/janitor has taught me the importance of being the driving force behind the success of an organization. I am hard working, dependable and willing to learn anything that comes with my job.
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However, being in a distribution center, which I probably will never personally get to, is something that if a disabled or neurodiverse individual is seeking to work in, then they should more than likely get that opportunity.
Companies like Stop and Shop can try and accommodate the needs of new distribution center hires by assigning them jobs that are fit to their needs such as data entry and packaging, etc.
But there is something that I would definitely like to see at some point in the future and that is to have neurodiverse and disabled individuals possibly serve as helpers for the Teamsters that drive trucks containing what we sell to our customers.
When it comes to my job, I have a much higher respect for the company executives (being the son and paternal grandson of executives), department specialists and the Teamsters that drive the trucks. But I sometimes feel bad for the Teamsters because they are doing everything such as driving the trucks, using the palate jacks to unload the trucks and having to wait in the elements up to 10 to 15 minutes.
Being a driver helper for the Teamsters can give neurodiverse and disabled individuals a chance to aid the truck drivers as well as get a chance to see the world in ways that they may never have otherwise. Individuals can work hard and earn a great amount of respect, not just for the drivers that they assist, but also themselves as a whole. You also get paid very well, but remember it’s more than just getting the big bucks.
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Still though, being a Teamster and working in a distribution center if you are Neurodiverse or Disabled requires commitment and sacrifice on your part since the job is a 24/7 operation. You may have to work weekends and holidays, so flexibility is a definite must on your part. Remember, flexibility is a survival skill in any job, but it goes to the next level as both a Distribution Center associate and as a Teamster.
If you want to get a feel for a distribution center, check out some of these videos featuring the Stop and Shop Distribution Center:
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Catch you all later!!
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