Two-thirds of logistics workers in the UK (66%) are unconcerned about their jobs being automated in the future, according to a study undertaken by YouGov and commissioned by global technology company SafetyCulture.
The Feedback from the Field report paints a picture of a workforce which sees the positive impact of integrating technology into the frontline. Respondents included frontline employees and managers working across the distribution, logistics, supply chain and transportation industries.
Only a third of logistics workers (32%) are concerned about the impact of new technologies like AI in the future.
Increased automation may be perceived as a way to resolve frustrations with current technology used in the sector. Two-thirds of logistics workers (67%) aren’t fully satisfied with their tools and IT at work. Of these, almost half (45%) find them too dated and two-fifths (39%) say they’re unfit for purpose.
Automation could also be seen in the frontline as a solution to skills and labour shortages. Almost three-quarters (73%) of logistics workers believe skills and labour shortages will present critical issues in the industry. Of these, 35% believe these issues are already causing critical issues in the sector.
There is a generational divide, with younger logistics workers more worried than older workers about the impact of automation on their role. Over half of Gen Z (57%) workers express concern about automation compared to only 10% of Baby Boomers.
Alex Brooks-Sykes, SafetyCulture’s lead for UK & Ireland, says: “Technology is revolutionising the industry, from autonomous vehicles to transportation and warehouse management. But our report suggests investing in both people and technology is vital.
“The reality is frontline employees are dissatisfied with their current workplace tools and IT – with our research estimating that outdated and unfit tools cost the logistics industry more than £1.88 billion every year. “The frontline reaps the benefit of better technology, and businesses can benefit from improved efficiency, better risk management, and enhanced training.”
SafetyCulture’s annual Feedback from the Field report is one of the largest studies of frontline experiences and perspectives across many critical industries, surveying more than 10,000 workers worldwide, of which more than 2,000 are in the UK. The company’s workplace operations platform is used by more than 18,000 UK organisations.
For more information and to download the report, visit safetyculture.com/feedback-from-the-field-time-for-change
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