Over 80 million Americans, who work in critical roles across the economy, earn a living through hourly jobs.
A survey by WorkWhile of hourly workers reveals a major shift in preference for flexible working.
The Good Work Framework highlights the need for businesses and policy-makers to support and invest in flexible working.
Jarah Euston, who has worked as a filing clerk and fast-food server, has firsthand experience of the challenges many hourly workers face, from unpredictable schedules to financial insecurity. “For me, these experiences were stepping stones to university and careers in tech and finance. But for my coworkers and millions of other hourly workers across the US (and the world), these jobs are the primary source of income and advancement for their careers,” Euston, who is now Cofounder and CEO of WorkWhile, shares her perspective with the World Economic Forum.
Today, more than 80 million Americans – over half the US workforce – earn their living through hourly jobs. These workers make up the backbone of the US economy, playing critical roles in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and other industries. Yet, traditional work models continue to fall short in meeting their needs.
Why are workers choosing flexible working?
A new model is emerging – one built around flexibility, autonomy, and opportunity. Flexible work is changing that status quo. WorkWhile’s 2024 survey of 5,200 hourly workers, revealed a major shift:
77% of workers prefer flexible scheduling.
55% actively seek out flex work opportunities as a preferred way to earn.
12% of the workers preferred traditional 9-5 roles.
Workers are increasingly choosing flexible work to balance their professional and personal lives, with surveyed workers earning an average of 51% of their income through flexible work platforms.
For businesses, embracing flexible work isn’t just good for workers, it’s good for their bottom lines. With the average cost per hire around $4,700 and total hiring expenses reaching three to four times the salary, hiring can become a costly revolving door when high turnover is a challenge.
Companies that offer flexible work programmes see higher worker satisfaction, retention, and productivity. When workers have more control over when and how they work, they show up more engaged, more committed and more effective. It’s a win-win.
How does the Good Work Framework support workers?
The World Economic Forum’s Good Work Alliance is building towards a future of work that is more resilient, equitable, inclusive and human-centric. The alliance’s Good Work Framework holds businesses accountable across five key pillars, two of which align directly with the rise of flex work:
Ensure fairness in wages.
Enhance social protection and flexibility.
Promote total workforce well-being.
Foster employability and human capital development.
Deploy technology responsibly.
1. It enhances social protection and flexibility
Workers shouldn’t need to sacrifice protection for autonomy. Flexible work platforms, including WorkWhile, help bridge the gap by offering competitive wages, quick pay to ease financial stress, and access to telehealth, along with other benefits. Yet, there’s still more to be done to ensure workers can work flexibly and still have access to healthcare, paid sick leave and workplace protections.
2. It fosters employability and human capital development
Many flexible work platforms, such as WorkWhile, offer upskilling opportunities for frontline workers to build their skills, support their own career advancement, and move into higher-paying roles. For example, WorkWhile offers a forklift training programme through its app, enabling workers to complete their credentials and unlock higher-paying forklift driver opportunities. When companies invest in training, they build a stronger, more resilient workforce.
Creating a more inclusive and adaptable economy means recognizing both the opportunities and challenges of flex work. For example, workers gain control over their schedules and career paths. And employers must balance flexibility with operational needs, navigate unpredictability, and ensure fair wages and career growth for non-traditional workers
The Good Work Framework offers a roadmap for businesses to incorporate flex work into their labour strategy, including:
Offer flexible scheduling that works for both workers and businesses.
Provide training and career progression opportunities, even within flex roles.
Expand access to flex work through skills-based hiring.
Flex work is the future of work. Companies that embrace this shift and align with the principles of the Good Work framework won’t just adapt to change – they’ll define the future.
How is the World Economic Forum promoting equity in the workplace?
The Future of Jobs Report 2023 found that 75% of companies surveyed expect to adopt AI, big data and cloud technologies in the next five years.
The Centre for the New Economy and Society provides a platform for leaders to share insights on the adoption and efficacy of new technologies, and the readiness of the workforce to use them. Our work includes developing insights and dialogue on growth, jobs, skills, equity and risks.
Learn more about our impact:
Gender parity: Since 2006, we have annually measured the state and evolution of gender parity in 101 economies, supporting decision-makers to identify the most effective policies to close gender gaps. In Chile, we helped establish gender parity accelerators and benefitted 728,000 women – reducing the gender gap by 37% in the participating companies.
Reskilling Revolution: With our partners, we are helping the global workforce future-proof their careers, working with over 350 organizations to provide 1 billion people with better education, skills and economic opportunities by 2030.
Disability inclusion: Working with the Valuable500, we are collaborating with the largest global network of CEOs committed to closing the disability inclusion gap. Members are making progress by increasing the adoption of digital accessibility best practices and including disability in diversity, equity and inclusion strategies.
Racial justice: We are collaborating with a global coalition of 55 organizations in 13 industries who are committed to building equitable and just workplaces for professionals from under-represented racial and ethnic identities.
Want to know more about our centre’s impact or get involved? Contact us.
What do workers have to say about flexible working?
Ashley E., flex worker: A film producer in Los Angeles, Ashley turned to flex work during the Hollywood strikes. Working flexibly helped her cover bills and keep her schedule open for freelance opportunities.
“Flex work through WorkWhile allows me to tell people I’m available to work as a producer – and still pay my bills.”
Angela H., flex worker: After being bedridden for months due to old military injuries, retired US Army veteran, Angela, needed something flexible that could ease her back into daily life. Through events and stadium work in El Paso, Texas, she rediscovered her confidence, community and physical strength.
“If I hadn’t gotten flex work options, I know I still mentally would not be in a good place… Other than the military, I haven’t met a group I could connect with in such a short period of time. Flex work gave me another chance to serve.”
Josh Q., flex worker: A father of two in the San Fernando Valley, Josh juggles solar sales and a full-time delivery schedule through flex work platforms like WorkWhile. He credits the platform with helping him build real financial momentum for his family.
“Working flexibly through WorkWhile is something to do that puts more money in my family’s pocket. I can send my daughter to private school. I can own my home in California.”
Josh is now on track to hit an incredible savings goal – a downpayment for an AirBnB property in Southern California.
Braxten B., flex worker:
Braxten, a worker in the Chicago area, says WorkWhile has completely transformed her financial outlook. With quick pay and the ability to set her own schedule, she’s been able to build savings, pay down debt, and even plan for a future home.
“Flex work through WorkWhile has been a blessing to me and my family… It’s allowed me a financial freedom I never thought was possible.”
