The 40-hour workweek in manufacturing and distribution is dead. Strict schedules no longer work for the modern workforce.
Now, I know what you're going to say, "Todd, we run a tight ship and need to know that people are going to show up every day when they say they will."
I 100% agree.
Machines need operators to run, and warehouses need workers to move pallets. Without people, the entire system collapses. But the rigid schedule model is failing. The more companies cling to it, the more they suffer. The new generation of workers won’t tolerate the inflexibility that demands they show up 5-6 days a week without fail or face termination.
We see it every day—companies unable to hire or retain workers yet continue to fire them for a single missed shift.
But today’s workforce is different. They won't work inflexible schedules and have enough options to simply leave.
So, what's the solution? Adaptation.
It’s not as difficult as it sounds and it doesn't need to create chaos.
Start by changing the way you handle entry-level workers. You don’t need to overhaul your entire plant, just adjust your approach at the sub $20/hr level.
Give this group some controlled flexibility in their schedule - a Friday off this week, swapping their Wednesday for a Saturday another week. The more reliable you are, the more choices you get. Reward the behavior you want.
You might even find that these changes benefit the entire workforce (like we have) and it leads to broader adaptation and success.