New Survey Data Reveals Hourly Workforce Prioritizing Money and Flexibility Over Covid-19 Safety When Applying for Jobs This Holiday Season

November 24, 2020

[Cornelius, NC] – MyWorkChoice, the app-enabled workforce solution that makes flexibility work for companies and W-2 employees, and Workplace Intelligence, an HR research and advisory firm, today announced a new study of 2,000 U.S. HR leaders and hourly workers, giving insight into the U.S. labor demand and worker preferences during the 2020 holiday season. The survey focused on how Covid-19 impacts an hourly worker’s employment choice and identifies the most important benefits companies will need to offer to compete for talent during Q4.

Key Survey Findings Include:

• Money and flexibility are most important. Hourly workers prioritize more money (58%) paid more frequently (44%), and schedule flexibility (41%), over a company taking Covid-19 safety precautions (36%) when deciding whom to work for this holiday season.
• Younger workers care more about flexible shifts. 42% of 19-33-year old’s want to be able to pick their own shifts compared to 36% of 55-64-year old’s.
• Employers are on a hiring spree for the holidays. 76% of companies are hiring additional hourly workers to support their Q4 holiday spike in business. Out of those companies, 31% are hiring 50% or more workers and 58% are hiring 25% or more workers.

Quotes

“Hourly workers have the same life demands as white collar workers without the ability to choose their schedule, until now.  When people can choose work that fits their life, especially during the pandemic, employers get a dependable workforce.“

– Tana Greene, CEO, MyWorkChoice

“Despite a looming recession, the demand for hiring is skyrocketing this holiday season and companies are going to have to offer more money, and flexibility, in order to compete for talent. Covid has put flexibility at the top of every workers job search criteria and it will be a permanent benefit moving forward. While major retailers are increasing their minimum wages, and giving cash bonuses, they can’t neglect flexibility as a key benefit that workers want.”

– Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence

Survey Methodology

Research findings are based on a survey conducted by Savanta, Inc. across the US between October 2 – October 14, 2020. For this survey, 2,000 HR Leaders and Hourly Workers were asked general questions around hourly work during COVID-19 pandemic, Hourly Worker benefits, and seasonal hiring. The study targeted HR Leaders and Hourly Workers who are 19+ years old. Respondents are recruited through a number of different mechanisms, via different sources to join the panels and participate in market research surveys. All panelists have passed a double opt-in process and complete on average 300 profiling data points prior to taking part in surveys. Respondents are invited to take part via email and are provided with a small monetary incentive for doing so. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 2.2 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

About MyWorkChoice

MyWorkChoice is the modern, human-centered approach to hiring and managing the hourly workforce that keeps America’s warehousing, logistics, call center, and light industrial operations running smoothly. We are Hourly Workforce Gurus focused on helping forward-thinking companies unlock worker potential. Through our flexible scheduling platform, deep analytics, and a proprietary app, we bridge the gap between employees who seek flexible shifts and employers who demand a dependable workforce. When people can choose work that fits their life, they show up. For more information contact media@myworkchoice.com.

About Workplace Intelligence

Workplace Intelligence, LLC is an HR research and advisory firm helping leaders adapt to trends, drive performance, and prepare for the future. Our mission is to create more intelligent workplaces using data-based insights. For more information go to our website and our LinkedIn profile.