65% of workers say 'microshifting' could help with stress and burnout. Here's how you and your employer could benefit from this work-scheduling hack

"While some workers are being mandated to return to the office, a growing majority of workers now say they want to "microshift" their workday. Unlike hybrid or remote schedules, in which you work remotely some or all of the time, microshifting is about making small adjustments to your start times, breaks and hours rather than adhering to a rigid nine-to-five schedule."

"This tracks with Owl Labs' findings, in which nine in 10 employees say they're stressed at work - and for 39% of them, it's gotten worse in the past year. Some of their biggest concerns are a lack of career growth (50%), as well as limited flexibility and worries over job stability, which both came in at 47% (1)."

Microshifting means structured flexibility with short, non-linear work blocks aligned to energy, duties, or productivity, allowing small adjustments to start times, breaks, and hours instead of strict nine-to-five. A 2025 survey found 65% of workers interested in microshifting, rising to 72% among caregivers. The shift to hybrid and remote work raised expectations for flexibility; many employees schedule personal appointments during typical work hours and take daily personal time. Stress and burnout are widespread: about 24% of workers struggle or are burnt out, nine in ten report stress, and 39% say stress has worsened. Key concerns include lack of career growth, limited flexibility, and job stability, contributing to lowered morale, productivity, and engagement.

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