Is ‘Microshifting’ the Future of Work in Manufacturing?

A recent HR Magazine article (23 September 2025) highlighted an emerging workplace trend that’s got a lot of people talking – microshifting. According to research by Owl Labs, more than two-thirds (67%) of UK workers are interested in the idea.

So what is it, and could it ever work in manufacturing and engineering environments?

What is Microshifting?

Microshifting means working in short, non-linear bursts that align with your energy levels, productivity peaks and personal life. It’s about flexibility on a micro level – fitting work around life rather than the other way round.

Owl Labs’ study of 2,000 UK workers found that interest in microshifting is especially high among Gen Z and Millennials (72%), compared to 45% of Gen X and just 19% of Boomers.

In essence, it reflects a shift towards autonomy, wellbeing and balance – workers want the freedom to manage their day as they see fit, as long as they get results.

Why It’s Gaining Attention

People want jobs that fit their lives. The study revealed that:

• 51% of employees schedule personal appointments during work hours,

• 44% would reject a role that doesn’t offer flexible hours, and

• Workers with caring responsibilities are much more likely to blend personal and work commitments throughout the day.

As Lisa Hallewell of HR consultancy hoomph told HR Magazine, microshifting “may significantly improve inclusion and retention, particularly for neurodivergent employees.” Matching work to natural energy levels could help reduce burnout and boost productivity.

The Challenge for Manufacturing Businesses

As someone who’s spent nearly 20 years recruiting across engineering and manufacturing, I can see both the opportunities and the challenges here.

On the one hand, the idea of aligning tasks with energy peaks makes sense. Many technical or creative roles – design engineers, CAD specialists, or production planners – often produce their best work when they have space and flexibility.

But let’s be honest – not every role lends itself to microshifting. If you’re running a production line, you can’t have staff dipping in and out of shifts based on when they feel most productive. The manufacturing environment runs on coordination, consistency and teamwork.

As Joanna Hart of Mauve Group pointed out, microshifting works best “where roles don’t have short, time-sensitive requirements.” Without proper coordination and communication, it risks confusion and declining performance.

What Employers Can Take Away

While full-blown microshifting might not be practical on the shop floor, there are valuable lessons here for manufacturing leaders:

• Trust and autonomy matter. Give employees ownership of outcomes rather than rigidly focusing on hours.

• Flexible thinking pays off. Even small adjustments – like flexible start times or remote admin days, can make a big difference to engagement and retention.

• The next generation expects it. As Gen Z and Millennials make up a growing share of the workforce, businesses that don’t adapt may struggle to attract and keep talent.

Matt Jenkins from Dream and Leap summed it up well: microshifting requires a “culturally mature” organisation with the right systems, supportive managers and accountability built in. Otherwise, it can quickly backfire.

Final Thoughts

At Precision, we see this trend as part of a wider evolution in how people think about work. Even in traditionally structured industries like manufacturing, flexibility is no longer a “nice-to-have” it’s a talent magnet.

Whether it’s microshifting, hybrid setups, or compressed hours, the key is balance. Businesses that can adapt intelligently, while maintaining productivity and fairness – will find themselves with happier, more loyal teams.

After all, as we’ve seen time and again in recruitment: when people work with their energy instead of against it, everyone wins.

Looking to attract and retain top manufacturing talent in an evolving world of work?

Talk to the team at Precision about how flexible hiring strategies can help your business stay competitive. Call today on 0116 254 5411. 

Source: https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/two-thirds-of-uk-workers-want-microshifting-flexibility