Be ready for your stock-count assignment
Fictional example: Cedar Staffing has assigned you to stock-count support at Harbor & Pine. Check where and when to arrive, who directs the work and how to raise a task that differs from the assignment.
Assignment at a glance
Example details for the stock-count support assignment.
| Detail | Assignment |
|---|---|
| Role | Stock-count support worker |
| Client site | Harbor & Pine, Riverside store — main entrance; ask for the Stock Count Lead |
| Arrival window | 8:30–8:45 a.m.; assignment begins at 9:00 a.m. |
| On-site supervisor | Harbor & Pine Stock Count Lead |
| Scope | Count merchandise in assigned stockroom zones and record counts using the client-provided count process. |
Know who handles what
The staffing employer, client, and placed worker have distinct roles.
Cedar Staffing
The staffing employer manages the employment relationship and employer-side records.
- Use Cedar Staffing's approved process for pay and timesheet questions.
- Raise assignment or employment questions with the Cedar Staffing coordinator.
- Keep identity, health, and other private records in employer systems.
Harbor & Pine
The client directs on-site work within the assignment and identifies the on-site supervisor.
- The Stock Count Lead explains assigned zones and the client count process.
- Ask the Stock Count Lead to clarify the task, location, or count instructions.
- If a request appears outside the assignment, pause that task and contact Cedar Staffing too.
Placed worker
The worker checks the assignment, follows clarified scope, and raises questions through the named roles.
- Arrive within the stated window and identify yourself to the Stock Count Lead.
- Confirm which stockroom zones are assigned before beginning counts.
- Ask for clarification rather than silently accepting a task that differs from the assignment.
Worked example: a task does not match
At 9:10 a.m., the Stock Count Lead asks the worker to unload a delivery before starting the stock count. Unloading is not listed in this example assignment. The worker names the mismatch and asks both the client supervisor and Cedar Staffing to clarify before switching tasks.
Ask the client supervisor
“My assignment brief is for stock-count support in the assigned stockroom zones. Is unloading part of the task you intend me to do, or should I stay with the stock count?”
- State the difference between the request and the assignment.
- Ask which task and work area are intended.
Contact the staffing coordinator
“Harbor & Pine asked me to unload a delivery, which is not in my assignment summary. Please clarify the assignment with the client before I switch tasks.”
- Wait for clarification from the relevant roles before taking on the changed task.
- Follow the clarified assignment and applicable approved process.
Before starting: settle the practical questions
Use direct, role-based handoffs.
- Where do I report? Ask the Cedar Staffing coordinator for the confirmed arrival point if it is not clear in the assignment information.
- Who directs my on-site work? In this example, the Harbor & Pine Stock Count Lead supervises the stock-count work.
- What if the task changes? Describe the difference to the Stock Count Lead and Cedar Staffing coordinator, then wait for their clarification before switching tasks.
- Where do pay and timesheet questions go? Use Cedar Staffing's approved timesheet and pay route. These employer matters are not handled through the client assignment brief.
Terms: “Staffing employer” means Cedar Staffing in this example. “Client” means Harbor & Pine. “Placed worker” means the worker assigned by Cedar Staffing to perform work at the client site.