Warehouse, distribution centers, manufacturing plants. These are not the typical dream jobs that employment seekers hope for regarding Gen Z.
Currently, over 1.3 million people are employed in warehouses in the US alone, according to Zippia. The statistics show that most employees are seen as veterans in the field, most in their forties.
Supply and Demand Chain Executives (SDC) question whether this doesn’t signal the time for fresh blood to be recruited into the logistics sector.
But how do you attract Gen Z to logistics, and is technology enough?
According to a study by Soter Analytics, 33% of Gen Zers want to work for a company “actively embracing new technology.” SDC’s survey has found that 27% of Gen Zers want to work at a company with leading technologies like drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR).
Logistics transforming with technology
Next year, experts project that the digital transformation in the logistics market will reach approximately $13,966 billion.
Most logistics companies (65%) participating in a Tata Consultancy survey believe “digital transformation is crucial.”
In the digital era, these statistics highlight how many logistics companies are not moving along with the dawn of the fast-paced development of technology.
More than just technology
Is technology alone enough to attract Gen Z into logistics? SDC reckons it might be a bit of an overstretch. There are other factors that play a role when it comes to the younger generation finding warehouses and distribution centers as attractive jobs.
The younger generation is moving away from the traditional white-collar desk jobs. They want to prioritize their health, with flexible working hours.
What about millennials and others?
More than 60% of American millennials would take a 20% pay cut to have a lifestyle prioritizing quality life. Business Insider reports that 33% of US Baby Boomers are willing to take a salary cut. At the same time 43% of Gen X are willing to take a pay cut.
Stressed out for higher pay is not something that Baby Boomers fancy. A whopping 79% of them say, “It’s not with it,” while 72% of Gen Xers agree with the statement.
About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
