As an employer, it's important to understand the unique challenges hourly workers face. From reduced benefits and minimal wages to unreliable schedules, life as a clock-watcher can be unpredictable and stressful, but there are ways you can support your staff. Here we explore five realities of being an hourly employee – offering insight into their struggles and ways you can help.

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1. Low Wages

Making ends meet has become increasingly difficult for many people due to a lack of steady work hours and employee benefits. Despite their often hard work and dedication to the job, hourly workers often make significantly less than salaried employees. Clair’s internal study shows that for these hard working individuals, finances are their top source of stress - with many unable to afford the basic necessities even after working full-time hours.

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2. Unpredictable Hours

Hourly workers constantly face the challenge of juggling their unpredictable shifts with family and social plans. This leaves them feeling uncertain about how to plan for the future, which can lead to added stress and health issues. Additionally, it makes accessing resources such as childcare or parental leave more difficult without stability in their schedule.

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3. Lack of Job Security

Job security is essential for any employee to be invested in their work. Without it, stress and anxiety can take over as workers worry about how they'll make ends meet; leading to diminished morale, loyalty, productivity, and retention rates.

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4. Lack of Benefits

Hourly workers often miss out on the benefits that salaried employees take for granted, like health insurance and retirement savings options. This puts them at risk of being unable to afford medical care when they need it, save money for their future, or have time off to rest and recharge, putting unnecessary strain on their financial security and wellbeing.

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5. Stressful Environments

Many hourly jobs come with high stress levels due to tight deadlines and demanding customers or bosses who expect results quickly and efficiently with little room for error. This creates a physically and mentally taxing environment that can take its toll over time if left unchecked or unmanaged properly by employers.

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By understanding these common struggles faced by the hourly workforce, employers can ensure that they’re providing employees with the proper support they need in order to remain productive and happy while on the job. Learn how Clair can help employers support the financial wellness of their staff with free financial wellness benefits today.

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