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AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS
to incorporate greater levels of automation, an onus on training and upskilling existing employees is a must. However, there is also still a general lack of awareness outside of the industry of the important, varied, and rewarding roles on offer. One of the main reasons industry employers
are said to have difficulties retaining skilled workers and recruiting new staff is the demanding conditions. According to the HSE, workers within the transport and storage industry are amongst the most at risk of workplace injury. Staff shortages combined with rising fulfilment demand put even more pressure on existing staff, increasing the risk of dangerous mistakes. Robots can play an important role in
improving staff well-being by reducing the risk of manual handling injuries. By using robots to reduce the physical demands on staff, a company can create a safer and appealing work environment that is more likely to attract top talent with enjoyable, high value roles – such as data integration, planning, quality assurance and other tech-driven positions.
NEW IMAGE In addition to providing an improved working environment, robotics and automation can assist with improving the overall image of a
company and the industry as a whole. Despite higher levels of automation and sophistication, it's still not seen as a career path for digital native generations. Younger generations also tend to prefer hybrid working environments, which warehouses typically aren't known for. And yet, according to a recent study of
Generation Z workers by Dell Technologies, 80 per cent of respondents aspire to work with cutting-edge technology, and 91 per cent say the technology offered by an employer would be a factor in choosing among similar job offers. Furthermore, 51 per cent believe that humans and machines will work as integrated teams, while 38 per cent see machines as tools for humans to use as needed. According to research from KPMG, businesses
unable to demonstrate a meaningful commitment to environmental, social and governance values are also unappealing to younger prospective candidates. When looking for a new role, a third of 18-24-year-old respondents said they had turned down a job because the company’s ESG commitments did not align with their values. Automated and robotic technologies are an enabler for greater sustainability in the warehouse. Electric AGVs
represent a cleaner material handling choice, while automated processes and the efficiency they add to operations, will ensure optimised energy use and reduced waste.
CONCLUSION Overcoming the labour shortage will, in no small part, depend on a company's ability to meet the labour force’s desire to work with technology. Faced with persistent labour shortages and an ageing workforce, introducing mobile robots, for example, can instantly impact productivity while making the company more appealing to a wider pool of candidates. By working together with robots, human workers can take on new roles and responsibilities that are more fulfilling and rewarding. At the same time, companies improve efficiency, safety, and retention of their much sought-after skilled staff.
Guidance Automation
www.guidanceautomation.com
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