Over 40% of warehouse workers have seen their mental health suffer as a result of their work, although technology is playing a big part in improving that, according to new research.
The Warehouse Workers Mental Health Report from StoreFeeder, which surveyed 500 warehouse workers across the country, indicates 56% of workers believe that the introduction of technology into the warehouse has improved their mental health, with many different implementations already having a significant impact.
Typically, larger warehouses are more likely to have technology implemented and, as a result, the more positive impact is being had on the mental health of staff of all seniority levels.
Barcode scan despatch processes are having the biggest impact on staff overall, improving the mental health of half of workers, while automated reporting and access to technical support (both 42.5%) are also high on the list of implementations aiding warehouse workers.
That’s especially the case for those at entry level, although overall technology has the biggest impact on those that use it more frequently. For example, while intelligent routing improves the mental health of 40% of workers overall, that rises to 60% of those at entry level, i.e. the workers on the warehouse floor utilising the tech.
At junior and middle management level, mental health is particularly boosted by easy access to reports, while at senior professional level the biggest impact of mental health tends to be around the technologies that allow workers to operate more efficiently, such as barcode scan and despatch processes.
Ian Dade, Operations Manager at StoreFeeder said: “The Warehouse Workers Mental Health Report 2025 highlights the pressing mental health challenges faced by warehouse workers, particularly during peak seasons and in larger operations. These challenges—driven by delivery time pressures, lack of managerial support, and inadequate workplace measures—underscore the need for innovative solutions.
“StoreFeeder’s warehouse management system (WMS) emerges as a powerful tool to address these concerns. By streamlining operations, improving workflow efficiency, and integrating technology to reduce manual strain.”
The impact of warehouse technology on mental health:
| Technology | Percentage of workers’ mental health improved |
| Barcode Scan Despatch Process | 48.6% |
| Access to Technical Support | 42.5% |
| Easy Access to Reports | 42.5% |
| Knowing Where Stock is Located | 40.6% |
| Simplified Stock Transfers | 40.6% |
| Easy Stock Booking-in Process | 40.1% |
| Going Paperless/PDA Picking | 40.1% |
| Easy Print Shipping Labels | 38.7% |
| Automated Courier Allocation | 37.7% |
| Visibility of Stock Requirements | 37.7% |
