Gallup's recent study reveals that a significant portion of U.S. employees lack stable and predictable work schedules, impacting productivity and increasing turnover rates. According to the American Job Quality Study, which surveyed over 18,000 workers, only 35% of U.S. employees enjoy "high-quality work schedules." These are defined by predictability, stability, and employee control over scheduling.
The survey found that 62% of employees face unpredictable and unstable schedules. Julie Ray, senior content consultant for Gallup, noted that this issue affects not only employee wellbeing but also has broader economic implications: “When workers lack high-quality schedules, it’s not just their wellbeing that suffers — employers and the broader economy are affected, too.”
Part-time workers and those without a college degree are more likely to have low-quality schedules. The data indicates that 31% of employees without a college degree experience low-quality work schedules. Higher educational attainment offers some protection but does not guarantee high-quality scheduling.
The study is part of a multiyear research initiative led by Jobs for the Future, The Families & Workers Fund, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, and Gallup. The full findings will be released in the fall.
