Unlock Efficiency: Employee Wellbeing at the Core of Modern Logistics Facilities

The Strategic Advantage of Employee Wellbeing in Logistics

In today's dynamic business landscape, companies investing in the health and wellbeing of their workforce report up to 30% lower staff turnover and significantly higher operational efficiency. This isn't just a trend; it's a strategic imperative. Modern logistics parks, once solely focused on storage, are transforming into vibrant, employee-friendly environments where human care is as crucial as process optimization. This shift is also a direct response to broader demographic and economic challenges, including an aging workforce and declining labor availability. As organizations recognize that their strength lies in their people – their health, motivation, engagement, and sense of security – employee wellbeing is no longer a choice but a necessity for sustained success and competitive advantage, a fact reinforced by reports like the McKinsey Health Institute’s "Thriving Workplaces."

Prologis: Designing for People and Performance

Prologis stands at the forefront of this evolution, meticulously designing its investments to combine cutting-edge technology with solutions that prioritize employee wellbeing. Their comprehensive approach ensures that logistics facilities are more than just buildings; they are thriving communities.

A Holistic Approach to Workplace Experience

“For us, Prologis warehouse parks are much more than just halls and loading docks. We see them as small, vibrant communities where work naturally intertwines with relationships and daily life. People spend an average of eight hours a day, five days a week at work – almost half of their active time. That's why we create places where it's simply good to work. Our approach is comprehensive: from ergonomic offices and modern halls, through green park surroundings, to health campaigns and sports events that integrate employees. Each of these elements builds a cohesive space friendly to both people and the environment,” says Marzena Tkaczuk, Capital Deployment Director at Prologis.

This commitment is epitomized by the PARKlife™ program, which transforms logistics complexes into truly people-friendly places. Tenants benefit from on-site relaxation zones, walking paths, sports fields, outdoor gyms, and even wildflower meadows. Prologis actively supports sustainable mobility by installing electric vehicle charging stations and bicycle shelters with repair points. For four years, the company has also run a nationwide health prevention program, offering free screenings in mobile diagnostic units. PARKlife™ further fosters community integration through initiatives like the Prologis Football Tournament.

Advanced Design for Optimal Working Environments

Creating an environment that truly supports wellbeing means integrating intelligent design and technology.

Natural Light & Smart Illumination

Access to natural daylight is a proven mood booster, enhancing concentration and regulating circadian rhythms. Modern Prologis facilities feature large glazing and roof skylights to maximize natural light. This is complemented by energy-efficient LED lighting, controlled via a DALI system, which mimics natural daylight and automatically adjusts intensity to external conditions, ensuring optimal comfort with minimal energy consumption.

Climate Control & Energy Efficiency

Maintaining stable and comfortable thermal conditions year-round is paramount. This is achieved through a combination of superior wall and roof insulation, minimizing heat loss in winter and preventing overheating in summer. Air destratification systems further ensure even temperatures from ceiling to floor, preventing heat from rising. The integrated Building Management System (BMS) continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels, automatically adjusting heating, cooling, and ventilation based on occupancy and work activities.

A significant step towards user comfort and energy efficiency is the transition away from traditional heat sources. Prologis parks increasingly replace gas boilers with highly energy-efficient heat pumps, drastically reducing CO₂ emissions and automatically adapting heating power to current needs for consistent indoor comfort.

A prime example of this integrated approach is the 62,500 m² facility at Prologis Park Ujazd, built for Schaeffler. This building prioritizes employee comfort with enhanced natural light, stable temperatures, fresh air, and lush green surroundings. Notably, it operates without a gas installation, relying entirely on air-source heat pumps for thermal energy. The roof is equipped with a 1 MW photovoltaic installation, and Prologis aims for a BREEAM Outstanding certification, confirming superior energy efficiency and the highest standards for the working environment.

“The facility in Ujazd perfectly illustrates what wellbeing means in practice for us. At Prologis, we view technology not as an end in itself, but as a tool to serve people. A team of specialists – engineers, architects, sustainable development experts, and workplace comfort specialists – works on every building. Together, we ensure that literally every detail is thoughtfully designed: efficiently, with environmental care, and for the benefit of people,” adds Marzena Tkaczuk.

Modernizing Existing Spaces: A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

While new facilities showcase the latest innovations, it's equally vital to address the vast existing logistics infrastructure. Poland alone has approximately 36 million square meters of warehouse space, much of which predates current technologies. Responsible management of existing portfolios and investing in modernizing these facilities to meet contemporary standards is therefore crucial.

“It is important to adapt existing warehouses to the specific needs of each client renting a given space. The process of preparing such implementations should always include a detailed audit of client requirements, selection of appropriate solutions and technologies, and supervision of their implementation,” explains Michał Tasior from Prologis, who manages projects within the Prologis Essentials platform. This platform ensures clients can implement comprehensive projects in their leased warehouse spaces, covering both employee wellbeing and broader operational needs.

By choosing a partner like Prologis, businesses can secure not just a space, but a future-proof, employee-centric environment that drives productivity, enhances retention, and contributes to a sustainable future.

Source: contrust.pl