'We love our jobs,' claim 66% of logistics workers

Despite employment shortages, irregular hours and a suspicion your efforts are not respected by the majority of the population, 66% of logistics and warehouse workers have professed to “loving” their jobs.

The surprise result, in research commissioned by Prologis UK, overturns the common perception that the industry is populated by many who resent their career choices.

The survey found that 59% saw their job as a long-term career choice rather than a short-term job opportunity, and 61% of female employees said they would recommend a logistics career to others.

However, this fell to 50% among men.

The report claimed the high level of job satisfaction could be attributed to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the sector, as well as the opportunities for personal and professional growth.

One warehouse stock controller told researchers: “I like the attention to detail and making sure everything’s accurate and stock checks and making sure that if there are any mistakes that have been made have been rectified.

“You get a sense of pride thinking – I did that, I fixed it.”

Another production project manager said: “I would definitely recommend a career in manufacturing and production.

“I think there is a lot of growth in this industry. You get job stability, opportunities for advancement and guarantees of a good life. I love what I do.”

Robin Woodbridge, head of capital deployment and leasing at Prologis UK, said: “There’s a wealth of opportunity for people in the logistics sector, regardless of background and education.

“The most significant barrier is a negative perception of jobs in the sector and opportunities for career progression. Many workers start their careers in logistics with little or no prior work experience, and our research demonstrates that there are strong opportunities for career progression.

“Headlines about higher-than-average rates of pay and improving diversity are positive too, but this isn’t necessarily understood by wider society. Jobs in logistics are varied, and the pace of technological advancement in areas like automation, as well as AI and machine learning, are opening up opportunities for career development – this is adding to the sector’s appeal.”

He added: “It is great that two thirds of logistics workers are passionate about their jobs, and I wonder how many other sectors could claim that.”