At LogiMAT 2026, the initiative “Die Wirtschaftsmacher” and EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH presented a new, comprehensive study offering insights into how logistics and intralogistics are perceived in Germany. The results reveal a generally positive image of the industry, but also highlight existing information gaps and traditional biases. This presents an opportunity, particularly for intralogistics, to position itself even more strongly as a modern and innovative workplace and to specifically target new skilled workers.

To kick off this year’s LogiMAT, the “Die Wirtschaftsmacher” initiative and the trade fair organizer EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH are releasing the results of their joint study, “Arbeitswelt (Intra-)Logistik” (“Worplace (Intra-)Logistics”). The project received academic support from Prof. Dr. Christian Kille of the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt. The aim of the study was to actively contribute to attracting skilled workers and labor by highlighting the opportunities and potential of logistics.

As part of a representative survey conducted from mid-February to mid-March 2026, 1,121 people shared their views on logistics and intralogistics. The survey examined key topics such as image, career opportunities, motivation to change jobs, and future prospects. The results show that logistics enjoys an overall positive image among the general public. A clear majority of respondents view the industry as a stable and future-proof economic sector. Opportunities for development and career advancement are also viewed predominantly positively. Intralogistics stands out in particular here, as it is perceived as a particularly attractive field of work due to its high proportion of technological innovations and interesting management tasks.

The survey also highlights that priorities are shifting in light of the current challenging economic environment. Job security is becoming a greater focus for many respondents and is increasingly gaining importance over traditional factors such as salary. Logistics benefits from this trend, as it has the potential to further expand its role as a key industry due to its systemic importance to the economy.

Information and Education as the Key to Recruiting Talent

Despite the overall positive assessment, gaps in perception and reservations remain. While logistics is viewed as modern and future-oriented, some respondents still hold traditional notions—for example, regarding working conditions or job profiles. In addition, a high proportion of people feel only partially or inadequately informed. This is precisely where an opportunity lies: as an innovative and forward-looking industry, intralogistics can specifically break down prejudices and convey a contemporary image. At the same time, the information gap opens up concrete opportunities to reach new target groups in the competition for workers. Clearer and more understandable communication of career paths, modern fields of work, and technological developments can play a decisive role in this.

“The representative survey ‘The World of (Intra-)Logistics’ provides valuable insights into how logistics and intralogistics are perceived in Germany. It clearly shows that education and communication are key to sparking curiosity about job and career opportunities and positioning logistics and intralogistics as an innovative and future-proof industry,” says Prof. Dr. Christian Kille of the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt.

Strong foundation for the future

Overall, the study shows that logistics has a strong foundation. However, to realize its full potential, it must reinforce positive perceptions, close existing information gaps, and communicate the industry’s appeal even more clearly.

“We are very pleased that logistics, as Germany’s third-largest economic sector, is recognized as the central backbone of modern value chains. Intralogistics in particular demonstrates how innovation works: through digitalization, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, it strengthens the competitiveness of companies. This confirms our commitment to showcasing the diversity and appeal of the industry at LogiMAT and to inspiring young talent and career changers to join this exciting sector,” comments LogiMAT Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty of the Munich-based organizer EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH.

Jens Tosse, co-founder of Wirtschaftsmacher and project manager for the “Workplace (Intra-)Logistics” study, adds: “As an initiative dedicated to promoting the image of logistics, we see significant opportunities in the survey results. There are still gaps in information, and only those who are aware of career paths, modern fields of work, and technological developments will recognize logistics as an attractive employer. With targeted campaigns and increased communication, the industry can close these knowledge gaps, reinforce positive perceptions, and attract new skilled workers.”

To track the evolution of the public image of logistics, the LogiMAT survey will be conducted at regular intervals in the future, and the results will be presented at the trade fair.