Upskilling and Reskilling in the Logistics Sector: Insights from Human Resources Managers’ Perspectives

Turkish

This study examines how Industry 4.0-driven digital transformation reshapes workforce skills in the logistics sector and explores the organizational and policy mechanisms that support this transformation from the perspective of human resources (HR) managers. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 HR managers from logistics companies in Türkiye, and the data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that skill development increasingly prioritizes digital and analytical competencies—particularly data analytics, digital reporting, AI-related applications, and enterprise systems (e.g., ERP/WMS/TMS)—while transversal capabilities such as communication, adaptability, and continuous learning remain equally critical in hybrid human–technology environments. In addition, routine task profiles are perceived to decline in importance as digital systems expand, intensifying the need for reskilling toward technology-enabled roles. HR managers emphasized that sustainable skill transformation depends on organizational mechanisms such as continuous learning culture, employee engagement practices, structured training design, and senior management support, alongside enabling policy and institutional collaboration that aligns training provision with evolving sector needs. The study contributes an HR-centered account of skill transformation in the logistics sector and offers implications for workforce development strategies in digitally transforming environments.