The competition for blue-collar workers is no longer just about wages. Non-wage factors such as a sense of appreciation, development prospects, workstation ergonomics, hall temperature, social facilities, and commuting are gaining importance. Developers are adapting to this new trend, and future industrial and logistics parks will look very different from those built just a few years ago.
According to a report by developer CTP titled „Employee Well-being: From Turnover to Retention,” based on a survey of workers in the logistics and industrial sector across Poland, 43% of warehouse workers and 25% of production workers changed employers in the last two years. Even more declare they are ready to leave: 56% of warehouse staff and 45% of production employees. While higher pay remains the main reason for 51% of respondents, non-monetary factors are becoming increasingly significant.
These factors include ergonomic workstations (cited by 51%), modern air conditioning and heating (49%), subsidized commuting or collective transport (55%), and access to a canteen or meal subsidies (51%). The report confirms findings from other sources: Randstad notes persistent turnover in transport, logistics, and industry, while ManpowerGroup highlights serious difficulties in finding candidates for key operational roles in logistics firms.
From cost-driven sheds to people-first spaces
Piotr Flugel, managing director of CTP Poland, explains that most industrial facilities used to be designed primarily with cost and construction time in mind. Common areas, attractive outdoor spaces, and solutions not directly generating revenue were omitted. Daylight access was often ignored unless required by regulations. „Employees notice the difference between bright, air-conditioned, comfortable office buildings and halls that are dark and cold. Instead of heating the building, they are often expected to just put on a jacket,” says Flugel.
CTP now implements better natural lighting – up to 12.5% in some locations thanks to additional skylights and polycarbonate panels in the facades. Enhanced insulation ensures optimal thermal comfort. In many parks across Europe, the company creates common spaces called Clubhaus – either separate buildings or parts of the warehouse. These areas house canteens, shops, meeting spaces, training rooms, or even medical clinics.
A blueprint: CTPark Warsaw West
An example is CTPark Warsaw West in Wiskitki, where the Clubhaus concept is being developed. The space is designed to accommodate – in response to tenant needs – a canteen, shop, training facility, or occupational medicine clinic. Combined with technical solutions like zero-emission halls and a large heat pump installation for Grupa Raben, the park shifts competition from location and square footage to the quality of the work environment and operational efficiency.
„In CTPark Warsaw West, we start with occupational medicine, so medical check-ups can be done on site. Recruitment agencies will also be able to conduct training and job interviews there, shortening the whole process. Users will also have access to a sports field, gym, changing rooms, and showers, usable even after working hours,” describes Flugel. The goal is not to make people spend more time at work, but to help them organize daily errands more easily.
In some locations, CTP is even considering accommodation infrastructure. At CTPpark Iłowa, a facility for over 270 people could support companies in attracting workers. This goes beyond standard warehouse and production infrastructure.
Location and commuting remain critical
The report shows that although over half of employees travel up to 10 km to work, some must commute over 30 km. Among those without their own transport, 63% consider changing jobs precisely because of difficult commuting. Therefore, favorable location and access to public transport are priorities when planning investments, as well as key aspects for tenants choosing space.
Stable workers are a huge asset – they require no introductory training, care for equipment, and react to malfunctions. Team stability directly translates into timeliness, quality, and operational efficiency. Well-designed workplaces can be just as important as plant location or warehouse space availability.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. materiały prasowe / CTP Polska
