Juggling Shifts: The Effect of Unpredictable Scheduling on Income Volatility, and Potential Solutions
Audio (MP3)
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In the course of EPIC’s investigation of income volatility, variation in workers’ hours and scheduling instability – which is widespread – has been identified as one of the main drivers of the problem.
Many employers, governments, and technology companies have identified scheduling instability – and the income volatility it creates – as problems in need of fixing. In the scope of financial security, solving for income volatility is a crucial step in stabilizing millions of households. By securing their finances now, they will be in better situation to look ahead and save for their future. When it is challenging to predict income, it is near impossible to plan for near-term or long-term financial goals.
Along with the Economic Opportunities Program, The Financial Security Program’s EPIC initiative hosted a panel conversation that explored cross-sector innovative solutions to both scheduling unpredictability and income volatility.
Panelists included:
- Heather Boushey, Executive Director and Chief Economist at Washington Center for Equitable Growth
- Will Eadie, Vice President Sales and Strategy at WorkJam
- Ari Schwartz, Lead Organizer at DC Jobs with Justice
- Lara Shock, Director, Associate Choice Initiatives at Walmart
From that panel came the following observations, insights, and suggestions for solutions:
Scope of the Issue
“Income volatility causes difficulties in meeting month to month expenses, now we turn to finding solutions.” – Mitchell #JugglingShifts pic.twitter.com/rJE2UC0xUW
— Aspen FSP (@Aspen_FSP) January 12, 2017
Unpredictable work scheduling is not just a low-wage issue, it’s a problem across the income spectrum. –@HBoushey #JugglingShifts @Aspen_FSP — Sheida Elmi (@sheidaelmi) January 12, 2017
.@HBoushey “There is a lot of empirical evidence that unpredictable #schedules may not be the best strategy for employers.” #jugglingshifts pic.twitter.com/mVQOvVxjj7
— Bridget Ansel (@bridgetansel) January 12, 2017
Solutions
Giving Workers a Voice
“The only true way to solve this problem is to give workers a real voice in their workplace.” –@arischwartz, @DCJWJ #jugglingshifts — Workforce Strategies (@AspenWorkforce) January 12, 2017
.@HBoushey research shows tht giving workers a voice can create important productivity gains for businesses #JugglingShifts @AspenWorkforce — Bridget Ansel (@bridgetansel) January 12, 2017
Innovate with Hours & Schedules
Some smart employers are using tech to offer workers 20 reliable hours weeks ahead & offer open shifts too. Will Eadie #JugglingShifts — Rene Bryce-Laporte (@dchometownboy) January 12, 2017
One solution via @arischwartz of @DCJWJ | Schedules should be posted well ahead of time, perhaps two weeks in advance. #JugglingShifts — Aspen FSP (@Aspen_FSP) January 12, 2017
Through tech we’re able to offer consistent schedules to workers who need it & flexible schedules for others. – Lara Shock #jugglingshifts — Rene Bryce-Laporte (@dchometownboy) January 12, 2017
“We solved the scheduling problem but we didn’t solve the availability problem” of employees –Workjam #jugglingshifts — Catherine Harvey (@CathYconomy) January 12, 2017
Leading by Example
Shock of @Walmart “We know when we do it right & lead in spaces like #scheduling it will drive change across the industry.” #JugglingShifts pic.twitter.com/OBHppojg6X — Aspen FSP (@Aspen_FSP) January 12, 2017
Update Policies
.@arischwartz: FLSA has governed wages + hours for 80 yrs but hasn’t been updated to reflect today’s labor mrkt #JugglingShifts — Bridget Ansel (@bridgetansel) January 12, 2017
Excellent audience idea: make this an aspect of rating good companies. When consumers know & care employers respond #jugglingshifts — K Lucas McKay (@KLucasMcKay) January 12, 2017
More Involvement from Government and Organized Labor
@DCJWJ‘s solutions = incrs role of gov’t and more organized labor #jugglingshifts — Emma Fisher (@Em_Edith) January 12, 2017
Webcast Materials
- #JugglingShifts
- AGENDA
- INCOME AND EXPENSE HANDOUT
- INCOME SOLUTIONS TABLE