According to a recent survey by Shiftboard, what workers want most, even more than increased pay, is more control over their time. The ability to influence their work schedules significantly affects job satisfaction, which can have a significant impact on employee retention.  49% of hourly workers would be willing to take a reasonable pay cut for more control over their schedule.

The research indicates work-life balance isn’t defined by conforming to a standard 40-hour work week. Hourly workers want more control over their work schedules, and they want to feel empowered to adapt work to life.

77% of hourly workers polled said work-life balance was necessary for job satisfaction. Additionally, 87% of hourly workers said it is extremely important to have control over the days and times they are expected to work.

Other survey findings about hourly worker preferences include:

• 89% would rather work longer days to have more days off between scheduled shifts.

• 85% say their schedule impacts their overall job satisfaction and 80% said it impacts the likelihood they stay with their employer.

• 78% want to work a set number of hours without overtime being a requirement; however, 88% want the ability to work more hours for more pay, and 93% are willing to work overtime, as long as it’s not required.

The survey also analyzed how gender and generational preferences compare:

• 76% of male workers indicated their work schedule impacts their productivity vs. 68% of female workers.

• 75% of male workers said their work schedule impacts their emotional and psychological well-being vs. 68% of women.

• 78% of workers between the ages of 18-34 believe their schedule impacts the quality of their work vs. 69% of workers 35 and older.

• 55% of workers 18-34 say having consistency in the days and times they work is necessary for job satisfaction vs. 44% of workers 35 and older.

It’s apparent that workplace flexibility plays a key role in employee retention, productivity, and engagement.  Michigan employers seem to understand this.  According to ASE’s Workplace Flexibility Survey, 83% of Michigan employers offer flexible hours/flextime.  As people’s lives continue to get busier and busier, it’s important that employers allow flexibility whenever possible.

Additional ASE Resources
ASE Workplace Flexibility Survey – To find out how Michigan employers are offering flexibility to their employees, ASE members can access ASE’s Workplace Flexibility Survey results via their Member Dashboard.  Non-members can contact Jason Rowe to purchase the survey results.

ASE Roundtable: Using Telecommuting and Other Alternative Work Arrangements as a Retention Tool - ASE members are invited to join their peers for a roundtable discussion where members can share their experiences, learn best practices, and share knowledge in this open forum. Register here.

Source:  Shiftboard