Aging workforce drives food industry to innovative solutions

The food industry is grappling with an aging workforce and a significant outflow of older employees. With 27% of the workforce over the age of 55, many of these workers are retiring earlier than the average in other industrial sectors. The challenge lies in maintaining productivity and addressing labor shortages despite this aging trend. Automation and robotics are seen as crucial solutions to this issue, according to Rabobank.

Growing concerns about employability

Work in the food industry is physically demanding, with employees often required to exert considerable force and perform repetitive motions. This makes it increasingly difficult for older workers to continue working for extended periods. One-quarter of the workforce reports that their jobs are physically taxing, impacting their expectations about their long-term employability. Employees in this sector believe they can work until the age of 63.1 on average, which is a year less than in other industries.

Robotics as a solution

Despite the growing emphasis on robotics, the food industry lags behind other sectors. While steps are being taken to automate tasks like palletizing, there are still few robots in use in other parts of the production process. The need for these investments is becoming increasingly evident. Not only can they help boost productivity, but they also contribute to improved working conditions, which can reduce the risk of absenteeism and dissatisfaction. Companies investing in these areas are quickly seeing improvements in absentee rates and overall job satisfaction.

Improved working conditions also help attract new employees. By making hazardous, physically demanding, or repetitive tasks less burdensome, the food industry becomes more appealing not only to older workers but also to younger individuals entering the job market and considering their future careers.

Rabobank.nl