Unreliable working hours and schedules are impacting employees across the country on a regular basis.
With shift workers making up 31.8 million of the UK’s population, it is no surprise that this lack of security is leaving a lasting effect on businesses and their staff.
In a recent survey, 5,000 shift workers were asked about their work schedule, with 68 per cent claiming their health has been negatively altered because of it.
So, why is this happening, and how are employers missing the mark?
Insecure working
Of those surveyed, 50 per cent said they aren’t involved in the scheduling of their work hours, with 56 per cent stating shifts were not being planned with their needs and commitments in mind.
33 per cent said that they get one week or less notice of when they need to be in work.
Furthermore, many employees have had to work unpaid, unforeseen overtime.
Not only does this affect stress levels, causing quality of work to decrease, but it also results in staff quitting and finding a new job entirely.
Lack of flexibility
Despite more employers offering flexible working than ever before, many are still getting it wrong, resulting in huge effects on employee morale and retention.
Anna Maybank, CEO of Breakroom, commented on the issue:
“Too often, what is flexible for an employer isn’t flexible for a worker. Employers claim shift work is flexible, but with 50 per cent of workers reporting they don’t get any say over their shifts, that’s clearly not the case.”
Health and wellbeing
Irregular working hours, paired with a lack of communication and understanding, is a huge contributor to poor employee mental and physical health.
In fact, the survey found that a huge 82 per cent of shift workers have not received any training on the effects of shift work on their health.
What can employers do?
Employers must always remember that, when it comes to their staff, they have a legal duty of care.
Health checks should be carried out, along with regular check-ins, good line management care and evaluating working patterns when and where necessary.
Reviewing shifts and obligations with staff in good time is an important part of their employment, ensuring that any special requests or aspects of their lifestyles are considered.
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