Flexible work isn’t just a passing trend—it is the standard for America’s 81 million hourly workers. A recent study of over 5,000 frontline workers confirmed what many employers are already seeing firsthand: today’s workforce wants control over their schedules, fast access to their earnings, and job opportunities that fit into their lives—not the other way around.
If you’re hiring hourly workers and still relying on rigid schedules and biweekly pay cycles, it might be time to rethink your approach. Let’s break down what’s happening in the workforce and how you can attract and retain top talent in 2025.
Key Takeaways: What Workers Want
This report, Flex Work Nation: Redefining How America Works, offers a roadmap for businesses looking to thrive in today’s labor market. Here’s what stood out:
Flexibility is Key to Retention: 77% of workers rank flexible scheduling as their top priority.
Fast Pay Equals Worker Loyalty: 78% prefer next-day pay, and 56% want same-day pay. Waiting two weeks? That’s a deal-breaker.
Flexible Work is a Primary Income Source: On average, 51% of workers rely on flex work as their main income stream—rising to 53% for single parents.
Financial Stability is a Concern: 55% are actively working on improving their credit scores, showing a strong desire for economic mobility.
AI’s Role in Work is Growing: While 47% feel neutral about AI’s impact, automation is already optimizing scheduling and operations.
Why Flexible Work is the Key to Hiring Success
For many employers, flexible work used to mean hiring gig workers or using temp staffing agencies to fill in gaps, but the reality is shifting. Today, flex work isn’t just supplemental—it’s the preferred way to earn for a growing segment of the workforce.
Workers with families are 5x more likely to choose flexible schedules over traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Meanwhile, non-parents are also leaning toward flex work as a way to balance financial needs with personal lives. Offering adaptable scheduling isn’t just a nice perk—it’s a necessity if you want to stay competitive in hiring.
Faster Pay = Better Retention
The standard two-week payroll cycle is officially outdated. In an era where digital payments are instant, workers expect the same from their wages. With 78% of workers wanting next-day pay, and 56% want same-day pay, businesses that offer faster pay solutions will see higher worker satisfaction and retention.
Think of it this way: If another employer offers flexible work and pays workers instantly, why would they choose your business over them? The companies that adapt to these expectations will be the ones securing the best talent.
How Employers Can Adapt: Actionable Steps
The data makes it clear: businesses that prioritize worker-friendly policies will have the upper hand in hiring and retention. Here’s how you can keep up:
✅ Implement Flexible Scheduling – Give workers more control over their shifts to attract top talent.
✅ Offer Fast Pay Options – Look into earned wage access (EWA) solutions to provide same-day or next-day payments.
✅ Provide Financial Stability Tools – Help workers build credit and manage expenses through employer-backed programs.
✅ Leverage AI for Smarter Scheduling – Optimize workforce planning to reduce staffing shortages and improve efficiency.
✅ Create a Strong Flex Work Program – Build a structured approach to hiring and retaining flexible workers.
Final Thoughts: The Future is Flexible
The workforce has spoken: Flexible work, fast pay, and financial stability are non-negotiable. Employers who embrace these changes will attract and retain the best talent, while those who resist will struggle with turnover and unfilled shifts.
At Juvo Jobs, we believe in putting people first— that's why we work with employers who promote flexible work because when businesses support their workers, everybody wins. Need help finding hourly workers who want to work for you? Let’s talk.
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