Christmas stress in Lichtenberg: parcel deliverers at their limit!

Christmas stress in Lichtenberg: parcel deliverers at their limit!

In the hectic run-up to Christmas, DHL parcel delivery companies are under immense pressure, while online orders are increasing year on year. Michael Boyn, team leader of a delivery crew in Lichtenberg, is a typical example of the challenges that delivery workers face. In a single day, around 20,000 packages have to be delivered to the small Lichtenberg delivery base. This represents a doubling compared to the spring and, according to DHL, this December is its busiest yet. Boyn goes about his work with a smile, but he also feels the physical wear and tear that comes with his task.

Physical wear and tear and challenges

At DHL, the working conditions are not without problems, even in high season. Boyn, who has to deliver over 200 packages a day, notes that not all employees have permanent contracts and many, especially newer employees, are under more pressure. This means that some drivers do not stop the tours despite being overloaded - a situation that Boyn criticizes, especially when he sees how colleagues from Kosovo and Syria feel additional stress. Although the company offers collective agreements and support from company doctors, the pressure during the Christmas period remains.

Another problem that delivery people face is the delay in delivering packages. There are reports of customers not receiving delivery despite being at home, increasing frustration on both sides, as a discussion on Mikrocontroller.net illustrates. Inquiries about whether complaints to DHL make sense are increasing as such incidents undermine trust in the service. Boyn himself recently mentioned that relief and support during work is essential to meet increasing demands while maintaining the friendly interaction with residents that is important to him.