In the dynamic context of the Romanian labour market, employees’ shift preferences have evolved significantly, influenced by the need for work-life balance. According to research conducted by MSL The Practice and eJobs, managers want a flexible and hybrid work schedule, while employees who do not hold management positions would opt for a four-day work week.
Regardless of their industry, hybrid working is the preferred mode of working for the majority of employees surveyed in the study (58%), with a higher percentage of non-management employees preferring to work from home. In addition, most employees say they want flexibility from their employer in starting and finishing times, with more than a third of respondents opting for this option,” the research shows.
This trend points to a shift towards more flexible working patterns more suited to individual needs.
Employees’ preferences for working shifts
The survey shows that the majority of employees in Romania prefer a four-day working week, which would allow them to have a longer weekend and more free time for personal and family activities. This preference is supported by 65% of respondents, indicating a clear desire for a better work-life balance.
Considerations for working shift preferences
Among the main reasons employees prefer shorter shifts are reduced stress and increased productivity. A four-day-a-week schedule can lead to better concentration and efficiency during workdays, as employees are more rested and motivated. Flexible working hours can also contribute to better mental and physical health, reducing the risk of burnout.
Managers’ preferences for working shifts
On the other hand, managers and executives tend to favor flexible and hybrid working hours, combining days at the office with days at home. This approach allows them to maintain better control over the team and respond quickly to changes in the business environment. The hybrid program is appreciated by 55% of managers in Romania, who believe that this model ensures optimal continuity of activities and effective communication within the team.
Industry impact and success stories
The adoption of flexible shifts and compressed work schedules has had a positive impact in various industries. For example, in the IT sector, where flexibility is key, companies that have implemented such programs have reported a significant increase in employee satisfaction and retention. This model has also been successfully implemented in other industries, such as marketing and consulting, demonstrating its benefits in terms of productivity and personal balance.
Modern shift management solutions
To meet the needs of employees and managers, modern shift management solutions such as shiftin are becoming increasingly popular. shiftin is an automated shift scheduling platform that allows companies to create flexible and efficient work schedules tailored to employee preferences. By using such a solution, companies can improve both employee satisfaction and organisational productivity.
For more information about digital transformation and workplace flexibility, you can contact us to schedule a personalized demo.
Shift preferences are clearly influenced by employees’ desire to find a work-life balance. Adopting a four-day work week or flexible, hybrid schedule can bring significant benefits to both employees and employers, promoting a healthy and productive work environment. Modern solutions such as shiftin can facilitate this transition by providing the tools needed to effectively manage shifts.
For more information on digital transformation and workplace flexibility, you can learn more in our article here, as well as about shift types here.
