Warehouse workers are often left out of the conversation around automation. A national survey conducted by Exotec in August and September sheds light on how workers actually feel, and it’s not the story most people expect. Instead of fearing automation, many warehouse employees say it makes their jobs safer and easier on their bodies.

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Eight in ten workers who were unsure about automation changed their minds after using it on the job. Once they saw how it worked day to day, they began to view it as help rather than a threat.

The biggest changes were physical. More than half of workers said automation reduced heavy lifting, and many reported less strain on their bodies. Six in ten said there are fewer workplace injuries.

“It made parts of the job that used to wear me down way easier,” one warehouse worker said in the survey. “I still work hard, but I’m not exhausted at the end of the day.”

Stress levels also decreased. Over half of workers said they felt less stressed once automation was introduced. They reported having more time to focus on meaningful tasks rather than on repetitive physical work. Nearly three out of four said they could put more attention into important work, and many said they were more productive because they weren’t worn out.

Workers who use automation longer tend to appreciate it more. Job satisfaction rises over time, and resistance fades. As one employee put it: “At first I thought it might replace us, but now I see it makes our jobs better. It feels like help instead of competition.”