Eyeing Productivity, Jobseekers Want Control Over Their Schedules and Employers May Agree
Irvine, CA - June 14, 2023
By Mitch Atkinson, Owner of Express Employment
Professionals of Irvine, CA
American jobseekers and companies may be rethinking the
traditional 40-hour work week as long as productivity remains at, or exceeds,
current levels. This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll
commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.
When given the option of working an 8-hour workday (but
flexible start time), traditional 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. or a compressed schedule such as 10 hours per day for 4 days a
week, jobseekers most commonly pick an 8-hour day with a flexible start time
(40%). Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) would prefer a compressed schedule. If given the
ability to design their own work schedule (i.e., working non-traditional hours
for the same pay), most feel they would be more productive (56%) or they would
have about the same level of productivity (39%). It appears that companies may
also be embracing the idea of non-traditional work schedules.
More than 9 in 10 hiring managers (94%) report employees
at their company are productive—with nearly half (48%) saying they are very
productive currently. And, if given the ability to design their own schedules,
hiring managers feel employees would have about the same level of productivity
(53%) or even be more productive (35%). Ultimately, it appears 40-hour work
weeks are not necessarily needed to have a productive workforce. And,
two-thirds of jobseekers (66%) agree they will soon be a thing of the past.
However, there still appears to be some hesitation in companies offering this
amount of flexibility. Three-quarters of hiring managers (75%) say they have
some concerns about their company offering flexible work hours, including
decreased productivity (30%), increased distractions (29%), delayed
communications (28%) and an inability of employees to collaborate (28%).
Despite the return of some segments to the workforce,
businesses are still desperate for workers, and figuring out what incentives
work best for employees at individual companies is key, according to Express
Employment International CEO Bill Stoller said. “If production can remain high
while offering flexible scheduling options, it may be worth it to try,” he
said.
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The
Irvine Express office is located at 13700 Alton Parkway, Suite 156 Irvine, CA
92618 and serves the Irvine, Tustin, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, Mission Viejo
and Rancho Santa Margarita marketplace. Local businesses and applicants are
encouraged to get in touch at their convenience. Call 949.583.7400 or visit
www.expresspros.com/irvineca/.