Working erratic hours, lack of sleep, adverse health outcomes, and significantly higher turnover are all consequences of unstable work schedules.
Unstable scheduling often results in employees scrambling to meet their own personal needs and care for their families. In order to improve employee engagement and retention, think about any scheduling challenges that may be having deleterious effects on your organization.
Data from the General Social Survey (GSS), demonstrates the negative impact irregular scheduling has on employees in their work environment:
Stable scheduling is an important aspect of job quality. In a study reported in Crain’s Chicago Business, it was found that stable scheduling increases productivity and sales, benefiting both the workers and the businesses that employ them.
Employees whose schedules fluctuate often experience a lack of flexibility in different aspects of their lives. It becomes extremely difficult for employees to have work-life balance as they no longer have time to plan for doctor’s appointments, organize childcare arrangements, or make time for other life necessities.
But what makes a schedule stable? Below are a few determinants:
In the Stable Scheduling Study, researchers worked with Gap, Inc., to understand the impact of focusing efforts on improving scheduling. Gap implemented two important changes:
The results found in this Harvard Business Review article showed a 5 percent increase in labor productivity which is double the annual average. Additionally, these changes led to a 7 percent increase in sales. This study estimated that Gap earned $2.9 million from improved scheduling, signaling a high return on investment.
Additionally, stable scheduling yields better time management and communication among employees, improves planning capabilities and enhances resource management.
Flexibility and stability in scheduling gives employees the time, space, and ability to navigate the unexpected. WorkLife can be a resource to employees needing the time and space to solve problems and create more stability in their work environment. Our Resource Navigators can support employees with things like:
84 percent of surveyed employees said the resources their Navigator provided were helpful.
If you’d like to learn more about how WorkLife can support you in helping your employees, don’t hesitate to contact us.