Nearly half of warehouse workers say that automation has helped them earn pay raises, while nearly two-thirds report higher job satisfaction working with the technology compared to manual operations.

According to a survey of more than 400 warehouse workers from robotics company Exotec, 98% of respondents said that automation makes them more productive. Another 48% consider themselves optimistic about the role of automation in warehouses, compared to 32% who described themselves as reluctant, and 20% who were neutral on the issue.

“The data is clear — workers believe that working alongside automation offers new potential for long-term careers and immediate job satisfaction," said Exotec CEO Romain Moulin in a November 17 release.

Warehouse employees also viewed automation as a salve for the stress of the holiday rush, with 70% stating that the technology makes them less stressed during those periods, while 32% reported fewer coworkers quitting during peak seasons since the introduction of automation. Automation relieved overall stress levels throughout the year as well, with more than half of workers saying that their jobs have become physically easier, and nearly 60% reporting a decrease in physical strain on their bodies.

And although warehouses tend to have high levels of employee turnover, Exotec's survey found that workers are three times more likely to stay at a site long-term if it uses automation. Conversely, just 10% said that they would be more likely to leave a job sooner.