Compromising a large portion of the workforce across many industries, hourly employees are critically vital in day-to-day operations and company long-term success. SHRM’s State of the Workplace Report (2023-2024) highlighted that 78% of survey respondents’ priority is to retain top talent.
By learning how to attract, retain and motivate hourly workers, companies can experience productivity boosts, customer service improvements and better teamwork.
Provide Training
Job training is a great way to teach employees the skills needed to fulfil the role. By offering training programs or mentoring, companies demonstrate commitment to their future employee’s success and development within the company.
There are resources that help offset the cost of training. For example, Workforce Solutions’ On-the-Job Training program can reimburse a portion of wages during training. When staff feel confident and prepared, job satisfaction rises—and so does retention.
Offer Financial Well-being Benefits
While many companies focus on retirement planning, hourly employees often live paycheck to paycheck and may not take advantage of these benefits. Instead, consider offering more immediate and accessible financial wellness options.
Providing health benefits, retirement account contributions, disability and life insurance, student loan assistance, and tuition reimbursement, can make a real difference in an hourly worker’s life, and therefore increase satisfaction and motivation to work.
Support Work-Life Balance
A key concern for hourly employees is scheduling flexibility. Rigid or inconsistent schedules can create stress and interfere with family responsibilities, education, or secondary jobs. Out of more than 1,600 hourly workers aged 18 to 65, surveyed by Shiftboard, shared that:
- 82% consider the flexibility of work schedule extremely important.
- 78% expressed a desire to select their shifts rather than being assigned.
Offering flexible scheduling options, shift swapping, advance notice of schedules, and even part-time options can improve work-life balance. Employers that respect employees’ time and personal obligations are more likely to attract committed workers who value mutual respect.
Building a Loyal and Motivated Workforce
In a labor market where nearly 46% of U.S. hourly workers are actively job hunting or have recently looked for new opportunities, as reported by SHRM study, employers can no longer rely on wages alone to ensure workforce stability.
Employers who invest in training and development, support financial well-being, offer flexible scheduling, and cultivate a positive work environment are far more likely to build a loyal and motivated team.
Explore Career Opportunities with Workforce Solutions
Take the next step in your career by exploring in-demand jobs and connecting with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and gain access to valuable career-building resources.
