Along with many warehouse laborers permanently leaving the field due to a multitude of factors including reskilling, pandemic-related illness and an aging workforce, the industry is also being hit with a combination of population forces: the lowest birth rate in US history paired with baby boomers retiring out of the workforce, as well as a generational shift in what employees are looking for in their careers and workplaces.
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“In addition to compensation strategies, companies need to utilize robotics automation in order to stay ahead of this demographic shift. Not only is it a huge attractor for young talent due to the increased safety and specialized upskilling it enables, it is also a game changer in terms of cost reduction, throughput and ROI.”
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Although less than one quarter (13 percent) of executives say they are currently using robotic automation, they are keenly aware this is where the industry is headed, as evidenced by over half (51 percent) of executives being in the process of adopting or planning to adopt robotics.
Source: Generation gap is ‘leading cause’ of labor shortage in warehouses, says Berkshire Grey report
Labor proponents are pushing for higher wages ($22 for burger flippers in California fast food restaurants) just as automation becomes less expensive and entrenched.
