New Survey Reveals Hourly Workers Want Benefits That Matter. And Employers Agree.
MyWorkChoice and Workplace Intelligence, an HR research and advisory firm, today announced a new study of 2,000 U.S. HR leaders and hourly workers, finding that we’ve reached a critical turning point in how we should view benefits for hourly workers. The study shows that hourly workers should receive the same, or some of the same, benefits (including flexibility) that salaried employees do. Employers who offer flexibility to hourly workers will be able to remain competitive in the talent marketplace.
“The time has come to recognize that hourly workers are not only essential to the workforce ecosystem, but deserve the opportunity to choose their schedule around doctor’s appointments, school schedules and children’s sporting events. This is a fundamental shift in how we view the hourly workforce.”
Tana Greene, CEO, MyWorkChoice
Key Survey Findings Include:
94%
Of employers believe hourly workers deserve the same benefits as salaried workers
Hourly workers should have the same benefits, including flexibility, as salaried employees. 94% of employers and 87% of hourly workers believe hourly workers deserve the same (or some of the same) benefits as salaried workers. 88% of employers and 86% of hourly workers believe that hourly workers should get the same (or some of the same) degree of flexibility as salaried workers. And, both employers (90%) and hourly workers (84%) agree that hourly workers can have flexibility even if they have to be physically present to perform their job.
78%
Of employees said workplace flexibility is at least slightly important and half said it’s important or very important.
Employers who offer flexibility have a competitive advantage when hiring hourly workers. Almost all employers (97%) say that flexibility is at least slightly important to their overall HR strategy and 69% said important or very important. When selecting an employer to work for, 78% of hourly workers said workplace flexibility is at least slightly important and half said it’s important or very important. Gen Z’s and Millennials (55%) say flexibility is more important than Gen X and Baby Boomers (44%).
18%
Of hourly workers say that a lack of flexibility is the leading reason why they would quit their jobs.
Hourly workers have already benefitted from increased flexibility. 43% of hourly workers said they already have “some” or “the most” flexibility in their jobs and 79% said it has helped them support their lifestyle by reducing stress and anxiety (65%), allowing them to manage their commitments (62%), be more productive (48%) and earn additional income (40%). Over two-thirds of hourly workers said that having more flexibility makes them want to stay at their company longer, increases their job satisfaction, and improves their overall well-being. 18% of hourly workers say that a lack of flexibility is the leading reason why they would quit their jobs.
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“This study gives new evidence that employee benefits, especially flexibility, should be universal regardless of employment situation.”
Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence
This shift also opens the door to reevaluating how health-related benefits are structured, particularly for chronic conditions that disproportionately affect hourly workers. For example, managing type 2 diabetes a condition that requires consistency in medication, meals, and stress management can be especially challenging for employees without schedule flexibility. Diabetes medicine rybelsus, which are taken orally and require careful timing in relation to meals, highlight the importance of predictable breaks and manageable workloads. If employers truly want to support the well-being of their hourly workforce, they need to consider how rigid schedules can undermine medical adherence. Offering flexible shifts and understanding around health routines doesn’t just improve retention; it directly supports health outcomes. Workers who feel empowered to manage their conditions without fear of penalization are more likely to stay healthy and productive. This reflects a broader understanding that healthcare access isn't just about insurance it’s about the conditions that allow treatment plans to succeed. As the study suggests, parity in workplace benefits must include real support for those managing chronic illnesses.
