Unstable work schedules are harmful to employees, their families, their employers, and the broader economy. When workers face unpredictable hours, they and their families’ financial stability, health, and overall well-being can suffer. Business productivity and economic growth can then stagnate. Employers and local governments increasingly recognize the value of stable scheduling as a tool to improve job quality and stabilize earnings and as a strategic advantage for attracting and retaining talented workers. 

By adopting innovative strategies such as flexible schedules, labor market protections, and redesigned scheduling technologies, organizations can foster a more committed workforce while reducing workers’ economic insecurity. Insights from scheduling research can empower policymakers, business leaders, and organizers to shape policies that support economic growth and productivity, strengthen workplaces, and enhance the well-being of workers and their families.