Workers within the shipping and distribution industries are the UK’s most positive when it comes to embracing AI, automation and similar technologies, a new study has found.
The in-depth global report, by workforce management specialists Quinyx, monitored the attitudes and behaviours of tens of thousands of deskless employees worldwide, across a range of industries, on topics including new technologies at work.
The State of the Frontline Workforce study found that two thirds (66%) of UK employees in shipping and distribution believe that future technologies will affect their jobs positively, compared to only 39% of retail staff, 40% of hospitality workers and 45% in transport and warehousing.
Six in 10 shipping employees (60%) who feel positive about the developments believe technology will improve the quality of their jobs, while 55% anticipate being able to complete tasks more efficiently. Just 12% reported feeling negative about new advancements.
Llinos Roberts is product lead at Stena Line, one of the world’s largest ferry operators with over 25,000 yearly sailings. She says the company is constantly looking at how technology can improve processes as well as job satisfaction for its 5,000 employees. “Some of our PSOs (port service operatives) have worked for the company for a really long time – 20, 30 years. There is sometimes initial resistance to ‘doing things differently’, as they see it, when we’ve introduced new methods. But they soon see the benefits, when the changes are making life easier for everyone.
“Training and ongoing communication – such as regular check-ins with staff and surveys to monitor their feedback – are important in ensuring employees don’t feel ‘left behind’ or worried that changes will jeopardise their jobs.”
Lower stress levels
Quinyx’s cross-industry study also found that UK shipping and distribution staff experience a lower-than-average amount of workplace stress: 58% reported feeling stressed at work, compared to 65% of UK hospitality workers (60% average across all industries). And the percentage of staff who ‘take work home with them’ and think about their jobs off-shift was lowest in shipping and distribution too – 84% compared to 95% in hospitality (88% average).
Examining changing communication methods between management and employees, the report found that 55% of staff in all industries use WhatsApp as their primary workplace communication channel – a significant jump from 20% in 2023.
In hospitality and retail, WhatsApp usage is as high as 75% and 61% respectively – making the ability to switch off when not at work arguably more difficult, while in shipping and distribution, it’s 48%.
Toma Pagojute, chief HR officer at Quinyx, says: “It’s great to hear that employees within shipping and distribution feel positive about new technology, indicating that these industries are getting it right regarding its integration. As with any workplace changes, communication with staff is key, alongside necessary training, to ensure that new tools are welcomed as a positive, rather than creating fear and division.
“And although the amount of stress across all sectors is high, shipping and distribution companies appear to be taking steps to ensure staff feel able to ‘leave work behind’, using dedicated apps for messaging rather than social media, for example.
“As well as impacting on employees’ personal lives, there are data protection implications to consider too when using WhatsApp and other social channels for work conversations. We may see a clampdown on this under the government’s proposed ‘right to switch off’, as part of the new Employment Rights Bill this October.”
