Nobody works 9 to 5 any more. But millions may soon consider working 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. At least that is the consensus among the principals at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a Chicago-based outsourcing firm. They are convinced that this new "ER," or Early Riser shift, represents the next big scheduling trend because it resonates with aging baby boomers who cannot walk away from their jobs completely, but certainly welcome the opportunity to walk away a few hours early. This belief is based on data that was recently published by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, specifically stating that the greatest job growth since 2001 took place in the 55-year-old segment where 3.2 million workers were added. By contrast, nearly a million 25-to-34 year-olds were laid off during the same time period. The potential payoff from this radical new shift in thinking is huge. Offices can generate more income by extending their hours, attracting more clients and servicing them better. "Companies today operate on a 24/7 basis of one kind or another," says John Challenger, principal and founder of the 200-employee firm. "[Many] ... are dealing in an international environment. Getting up at 3 a.m. is what you have to do for Asian customers and suppliers." On the flip side, companies that share workstations can also reduce their expenditures by renting or leasing less floor space. Of course, the worker stands to benefit the most. With the added flexibility, workers can choose to work during peak hours and attend to personal matters before the day is done. The net result is a boost in morale and productivity. Proving that the early bird does not just get the worm; he or she also gets a balanced life and a healthy paycheck.
SOURCE: John EcKberg, Cincinnati Enquirer