How Automation Can Change Your Work Culture

If you have evaluated a potential acquisition of warehouse automation, the vendor most likely presented a variety of numbers regarding the financial and operational improvements achieved by installing and implementing the system.  While these benefits are often very impressive and alone are enough to persuade many customers, we have seen that decision-makers often either do or don’t proceed with a project for much less quantitative reasons.

We thought it may be helpful to talk about what we’ve experienced throughout the over 60 years of Industrial Shelving Systems operations as important non-quantitative factors to weigh when deciding whether to invest in new technology, especially warehouse automation.

1. Culture – Leading Through Change

Culture is the most important, but perhaps not the most obvious, impact that automation can have on an operation.

Internal investment sends a positive and encouraging message to your workforce. Investing resources to better your company sends a confident message to your workforce, re-enforcing the idea that you have a viable long-term strategy in place. Implementing automation shows that your company is viable and profitable, ensuring there is a lasting customer demand that can warrant higher or more reliable throughput. This all is a morale booster for workers as they can see that the company is actively working to make changes for growth and stability in the future.

It is important to note that messaging from managers is critical. In some cases the investment alone with no clear verbiage from leadership can have the opposite, negative effect on the workforce. A common narrative among disgruntled employees is growing margins at the expense of the labor force, and along that narrative, an automation solution could easily be interpreted as a means to eliminate jobs. Careful and consistent communication with your team about company goals and the positive ramifications of the investment can prevent these rumors from taking hold.

Material handling solutions typically drastically reduce the need for tedious manual labor. These solutions are often the centerpiece of easier or simpler operations, showing your warehouse team that they are valued not just for their manual labor and enabling a long-term contribution to the company mission.

Additionally, in the face of economic downturn, capital investment makes financial sense in terms of taking advantage of lower interest rates, but also can send a signal of enduring confidence by focusing on efficient output.

2. Day-to-Day Safety

One of the greatest benefits of material handling solutions is improved warehouse safety. This technology can take heavy loads off of workers, allowing them to avoid day-to-day strain on their body. Since automation can take over hard labor, workers can then use their resources elsewhere. Warehouse and manufacturing employees who are provided with a safer, lower, risk workplace are more likely to enjoy work and feel more comfortable coming back to work day after day.

3. Long-Term Ergonomics

When you invest in your company, you’re investing in your people. When you invest in automation, you’re investing in a technology that can provide a better quality of like for your workers. As mentioned above, material handling solutions improve safety measures and can take over the heavy labor that workers would otherwise have to do day to day. If there is less physical strain on your workers and less risk of serious injury, you are prolonging their quality of movement outside of work.

4. Cleanliness of Environment

Part of implementing warehouse automation can result in a cleaner and tidier workspace. An organized warehouse allows an environment where employees are more likely to have pride in their space and their products. This morale is extremely important in keeping a positive work environment, which can in turn lead to more efficiency and productivity.

5. Improved Employee Productivity

Contrary to popular belief, warehouse automation is generally not implemented with the sole intent to replace workers. These systems are put in place to improve productivity of existing workforces, in the spirit of doing more with what you have. From leadership to warehouse operators, being productive and accomplishing goals improves morale and fosters a motivated company culture in the long term. A technology that promotes more throughput and allows for fewer errors while reducing effort is a great way to accomplish that.

Overall, warehouse automation is a great way to show your workforce that you value their day-to-day quality of life and long-term contributions as well as the future of your company. Having a healthy work environment is vital for creating a lasting business. Are you ready to improve your work culture and your warehouse efficiency? Be sure to reach out to ISS Material Handling at 833-754-2164 to get the conversation started.