December 10, 2008

An increasing number of employees work nontraditional schedules -- but not by choice

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If you've been reading this blog awhile, you know that I'm a big fan of flexible work schedules for employees who need a bit more balance in their lives, whether it's to take care of family, tend to a side project, or just stay a bit saner during the workweek.

In Monday's Christian Science Monitor, writer Marilyn Gardner explored the other side of the coin: employers and industries offering less 9-to-5 shifts and more night and weekend shifts, as well as more erratic schedule changes, whether employees like it or not.

As Gardner writes:

"That unpredictable moving around from shift to shift -- days, evenings, nights, weekends -- is becoming more common as companies look for ways to cut labor costs. In a 24/7 world, finding a steady 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday schedule poses a growing challenge for workers in healthcare, retail, hospitality, transportation, and financial services. Shifts, days, and even the number of hours change, often with little notice."

In fact, Gardner reports, "Forty percent of employees in the United States work the majority of their hours outside standard daytime schedules."

This is a far cry from the flex work of white-collar employees who negotiate an earlier or a later start time so they can avoid the rush hour traffic crunch or finagle telecommuting on Fridays so they can save a little gas money and be there when their kids get home from school.

Some of the problems Gardner cites for the shift workers she writes about:

1. Childcare is a pickle, as most daycare centers close by 6 p.m., and it's doubly difficult if a worker's hours are never the same from week to week.

2. Budgeting is also tough, as workers may not get the same amount of hours each week.

3. Having a social life is tough too, and erratic hours often put a strain on marriages.

4. With no benefits and little scheduling consistency, some workers feel as though they're being treated like on-call temps or day laborers.

I was happy to see the article end with the point that some employers in the industries Gardner cites have woken up to the fact that such scheduling practices lead to lower worker productivity and higher turnover. Among the solutions she mentions: higher wages for night shifts, more notice for rotating shifts, and staggered starting times that employees can choose from for early morning or late evening shifts.

As always, I'd love to hear from shift workers about their experiences. What is your employer doing to make your shift work less erratic and more balanced, if anything? Do you feel that given the crummy job market you need to suck it up and take whatever hours your boss offers? Or do you like the variety and flexibility that shift work affords you? Do tell.

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com

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3 Comments

Michelle on December 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Reply

Michelle, all I can say is Amen!

I recently moved from Albuquerque, where I was a chemist for seven years, to Seattle (job xfer for my husband). After looking for a job for six months I thought I found the answer to my prayers when I landed a job with a toxicology lab that offered 'flexible' hours.

When hired on I was told that I would have to work a swing shift for two weeks for on the job training. After that I could set my schedule as long as it met business needs.

Within one week I met with my boss, who then informed me that he needed me to continue working the swing shift for six weeks. It was a stretch, but I was willing to tough it out (as was my husband, who had already started going to work late to take care of our three and four year old daughters so I could sleep).

Well the last straw came Monday when I found out I had to work graveyard all of Christmas week (and New Year's Eve!). I realize the economy is terrible and employment options are grim, but some things, like the impact of a unpredictable schedule on my family, just aren't worth the money.

My takeaway, get clarification of what 'flexible' means (is it flexible for your or the company's benefit), and talk to current employees. I later found out the turnver rate ran rampid in this company. Gee, I wonder why...

Terry on December 13, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply

I work 6AM to 6PM for seven days, off seven days, 6PM to 6AM for seven and off seven. I live for my long weekends.

quicksilver on December 15, 2008 8:55 PM | Reply

My Carrabba's manager recently started scheduling the prep crew later so as to save some money for his restaurant. Of course, this has me twiddling my thumbs all morning until I can start work there, and in the afternoon I have to work much faster to finish in time for my second job.
I don't have to ask whether he voted for McCain or Arpaio; it's obvious.

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