06-18-2026
Employer Insight: Multiple press outlets have reported on a new workplace phenomenon—microshifting. Employees who “microshift” break their work hours into targeted chunks. Rather than working the typical nine-to-five, these workers perform their work in short, productive bursts. Then, they break for an hour or two to handle personal responsibilities, such as childcare, school drop-offs, and personal errands. Their paid work is done around their non-work responsibilities. Employers are evaluating their output, rather than specific hours logged on their computers.
This practice is reportedly gaining popularity, and more organizations accept it as an option to improve work-life balance. Employees working remotely or in a hybrid environment may be microshifting even when the employer does not expressly allow it. These employees believe it makes them more productive by allowing brain breaks. Some employees believe working in this way allows them to improve their personal relationships because they can break at the same time as their partners. For others with health issues, the ability to break and take care of their health needs enables them to improve their productivity. Employers who offer or agree to microshifting may increase employee retention.
Some experts expressed concern about microshifting’s negative impact on the team’s collaborative work. With people checking in and out, it is more challenging to connect with co-workers. Another downside for the employee is the feeling of never-ending work, which could lead to its own burnout.