Employers Must Correct Efficiency Drains Amid Economic Uncertainty

2025 State of the North American Hourly Workforce

What is the State of The Hourly Workforce?

Each year, Legion launches an updated State of the Hourly Workforce Report that provides fresh insights into the challenges and trends shaping frontline work. Based on an extensive survey of hourly employees and frontline managers, these reports offer practical strategies for improving retention, optimizing labor efficiency, and empowering teams through intelligent workforce management. Whether you're looking to benchmark progress or uncover actionable solutions, these annual reports are your go-to resource for navigating a rapidly evolving labor landscape.

Unlock the 2025 State of the North American Hourly Workforce Report

Organizations are under more pressure than ever to do more with less—but smarter workforce strategies can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. Based on insights from over 1,200 hourly employees and 780 managers across North America, this year’s report delivers powerful data on scheduling gaps, financial pressures, and the growing demand for flexibility. Learn how leading employers are using AI, automation, and employee-centric technology to drive resilience, operational efficiency, and protect margins in an unpredictable economy.

Download the report to discover:

  • How smarter scheduling and AI adoption can reclaim 3+ hours a week for managers
  • Practical strategies to reduce costs, boost engagement, and build a more stable frontline workforce
  • Year-over-year trends revealing where progress has stalled—and how to course-correct now.

Stay competitive. Protect your workforce. Start with the insights inside.

Download the Report

Manager Key Findings

59%

of managers spend between 3 and 10+ hours a week just on scheduling

86%

of managers said they want the ability to automatically schedule top performers during peak periods

38%

of managers are concerned that high turnover will impact team productivity

Employee Key Findings

61%

of hourly workers say flexibility is their top need beyond pay

59%

of hourly workers plan to leave their current industry within a year

31%

of hourly workers say the ability to get paid early is one of the top incentives they look for in an hourly job

Year-Over-Year Comparison

AI Adoption Hasn't Kept Up with Optimism

What it signals: Despite the excitement around AI, widespread adoption hasn’t followed. Most managers still agree that AI can help, but few have access to tools that actually deliver. Barriers like training, legacy systems, and implementation gaps are slowing progress.

2024

Less than 20%

of managers used AI-powered scheduling

2025

Only 11%

say they use it today

Take a Look at Past Reports

2025: State of the North American Hourly Workforce Report

Employers Must Correct Efficiency Drains Amid Economic Uncertainty