Why employees of all ages love warehouse automation

March 1, 2022

Automation is a fan-favorite among warehouse workers — and for good reason. Today, we'll take a look at why employees of all ages love this tech tool.

Older employees

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, one in six people in the world will be over 65 by 2050. That number represents a lot of potential warehouse workers whose lives could be made easier with automation.

Here's a look:

  • Automation makes physical work easier

Warehouse work can often be physically demanding. As employees get older, this type of work may become uncomfortable, unsafe or simply undesirable — but that doesn't mean it's time to retire. Instead, automation can help make those physical tasks easier, letting machines do the heavy lifting while employees make decisions, train the artificial intelligence systems and bring value only humans can provide.

  • Automated tasks free up employees to spend time training others

Even if employees are considering retirement, there are still plenty of ways for them to help their team and the warehouse overall. For example, by utilizing automation, you free up these workers to focus on knowledge management, defined by IBM as "the process of identifying, organizing, storing and disseminating information." That means these workers can share their experience and tips so this valuable info isn't lost when they leave.

  • With automation, older workers can become more comfortable with technology

Technology can be frustrating for anyone, but if older workers feel uncomfortable with tech tools, they may be more likely to retire. Automation gives these employees a chance to work side-by-side with technology, see how it operates and become more familiar with the ways in which it helps the warehouse — and their own skills.

Younger employees

Millennials and members of Generation Z are, perhaps, the most outspoken fans of automation. They highly value efficiency, and they like knowing tech is being utilized in smart, effective ways.

Here's how an automated warehouse can delight these younger workers:

  • Automation is a value proposition

When you're trying to get the attention of a young job seeker, automation is a big help. This technology shows that you know how to use technology in ways that make employees' lives better.

  • Automation paves the way for future evolution

For many younger workers, automation is just the first step down a long, fascinating path toward the future. They want to know that your company is dedicated to employing even more tech tools — and if you're already utilizing automation, they'll be more likely to see your warehouse as an innovator.

  • An automated warehouse helps reduce turnover

Younger workers are known for leaving jobs quickly and without regret. However, not all young employees fall into this stereotype — especially if you provide an automated environment to keep them interested, inspired and excited about their warehouse work.

All employees

At the end of the day, automation is a great equalizer. When tasks are automated and everyone is using the same set of rules, employees feel like they're on a level playing field. Younger workers don't have to rush to build their knowledge base, while older workers are able to keep up with the different abilities or ideas their young colleagues bring to the table.