Warehouse work exposes workers to significant psychosocial risks. High productivity targets, constant monitoring and unpredictable schedules can create intense stress and pressure. Workers report being treated as components of a logistics system rather than individuals with rights and dignity.
The psychosocial risk factors are well established: unsustainable work schedules, forced shift changes, productivity quotas, workplace monitoring, pressure to undertake activities perceived as unsafe, and hostile workplace practices.
Psychosocial risks include anxiety, burnout and job insecurity. Workers experience stress related to unrealistic quotas, performance monitoring technologies and the threat of disciplinary action for failing to meet targets.
In precarious employment arrangements, workers feel unable to refuse unsafe tasks or raise concerns about working conditions. That absence of control contributes to chronic stress and mental health problems and is compounded by harassment, discrimination and lack of access to grievance mechanisms. Without effective channels to report concerns, workers are isolated and risks intensify.
For more on mental health and psychosocial risk, see the Risks Across Transport guidance.