Hourly Workers Are Being Left Out Of The Fight For Flexibility

Discussion about the future of work covers a variety of topics, from healthcare benefits to remote work models. However, there is one significant group of professionals that are often left out of these conversations: hourly workers. 

For many salaried, white-collar employees, having the ability to choose when and where they work is a privilege that isn’t offered to non-traditional workers.   

This is despite the fact that hourly workers were highly praised for being on the frontlines at the peak of the pandemic. For employers, this could be bad news as professionals are more likely to seek a great perhaps at another company that acknowledges their hard work.   

Currently, hourly workers make up over half of the U.S. workforce. So why has little been done to improve their work experience? 

According to Instawork’s 2022 State of the Flexible Workforce, hourly workers can benefit from the same perks their white-collar counterparts receive. For instance, higher pay, choosing their work location and schedule and career advancement opportunities are still desired by hourly wage workers. 

Of course, the workplace is inherently different for hourly and white-collar workers, meaning flexibility may not look the same across the board. 

One way to incorporate flexibility among hourly workers includes Instawork’s own service, where employees use the app to pick and trade their shifts based on their personal needs. 

Navigating this new normal starts with receiving feedback from said employees. Understanding the policies that will support their day not only enables them to work more efficiently, but it speaks volumes to the level of empathy and care leaders are exercising.