Prological Reveals Poor Workplace Design Is Driving Logistics Industry’s Staff Turnover Crisis

Leading supply chain consultancy Prological shows how traditional warehouse designs are failing to meet modern workforce expectations, leading to widespread retention issues across the logistics sector

With warehouse worker turnover rates reaching unprecedented levels and industry-wide challenges in talent retention, leading supply chain consultancy Prological has released a comprehensive white paper examining how warehouse design directly impacts operational success through worker wellbeing.

Poor warehouse design is contributing to a staffing crisis that’s costing the logistics industry billions, with retail giant Amazon alone losing $8 billion annually to employee turnover.

The white paper reveals how thoughtful warehouse design that prioritises employee comfort and satisfaction can lead to significant business benefits, for instance productivity increases of up to 18% with proper access to daylight, and absenteeism reductions of up to 42% in Green Star buildings.

The report explores key areas including:

• The business case for worker-centric facilities
• Biophilic design principles
• Technology integration for enhanced wellbeing
• Psychological comfort through innovative design

The paper was produced in conjunction with Pedavoli Architects, explaining how today’s warehouse design philosophy is based on a triad of key objectives: efficient use of physical resources, operational efficiency within the facility, and the wellbeing of the workforce.

Peter Jones, Managing Director at Prological:

“The warehouse and logistics industry, like most others, is facing a critical challenge in attracting and retaining talent. This report demonstrates that by creating environments that prioritise employee wellbeing, organisations can significantly improve productivity while reducing turnover costs. The future of warehouse design must balance operational efficiency with worker comfort – it’s no longer a nice-to-have, but a business imperative.”

Sam Jones, Pedavoli Architects:

“Investing in the wellness of your work environment yields substantial returns. By creating spaces that prioritise employee comfort and satisfaction, companies will see improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, and a more stable, engaged workforce. As the industry continues to evolve, those who embrace these principles will be better placed to capitalise on technological innovation and success in an extremely competitive logistics landscape.”

To download the white paper, click here.