A new study led by Gallup finds that millions of U.S. workers lack high-quality work schedules, leading to stress, lower pay, and dissatisfaction. The report, part of the American Job Quality Study, highlights how scheduling plays a major role in job quality—often more than pay alone.
Most Workers Don’t Have Stable Schedules
According to the survey, 62% of U.S. employees lack high-quality work schedules. Another 27% work jobs with low-quality schedules, which include last-minute changes, unstable hours, or no control over shifts.
Gallup defines a high-quality schedule as one that includes:
- Predictability: Workers know their schedule at least two weeks in advance.
- Stability: Weekly hours don’t change more than 25% unless the employee chooses it.
- Control: Workers have input into when and how much they work.
Jobs that lack all three are considered low-quality, and they often cause significant personal and financial strain.
Part-Time Workers Face the Worst Conditions
Part-time employees are hit hardest. One in three (34%) part-time workers have low-quality schedules. That’s higher than the 25% of full-time employees who report the same.
Education matters too. Workers without a degree are more likely to have unstable schedules. Even among college graduates, over one in five say their schedule lacks predictability and control.
Poor Schedules Create Real-World Stress
Workers with unpredictable hours struggle more with money, health, and family responsibilities. The study found:
- 57% of those with low-quality schedules say work often conflicts with personal life.
- 38% say they are just getting by or struggling financially, compared to 23% with good schedules.
- Job satisfaction scores were a full point lower for workers with poor schedules.
“Rob,” a maintenance worker interviewed in the study, said flexible hours let him care for his grandchildren during the school year. He makes up hours on Fridays when needed. His story shows how control over schedules can improve both work and family life.
In contrast, another worker, “Jenny,” shared how her employer began trimming scheduled hours—cutting back from 40 to 38. The lost wages made a real difference. “It makes a pretty big financial impact for me personally,” she said.
Low-Quality Scheduling Hurts the Economy Too
Unstable work schedules don’t just hurt workers—they also hurt businesses. They lead to higher turnover, lower morale, and reduced consumer spending.
Research cited in the report shows that improving scheduling practices can cut turnover and increase sales, especially in retail and service jobs.
A Call for Better Job Design
Gallup’s report calls for new policies and workplace practices that prioritize schedule quality. Better scheduling, the authors argue, is central to defining what makes a good job in the modern economy.
This release is part of a multi-year study involving Gallup, Jobs for the Future, the W.E. Upjohn Institute, and the Families & Workers Fund. The full report will be published this fall.
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