A Half-Century of US Labor Data Shows Steady Retreat From Evening and Night Work

A recent study analyzing U.S. labor data from 1973 to 2023 reveals a shift away from evening and night work. Americans are increasingly working during traditional daytime hours, contradicting the perceived 24/7 economy. The percentage of the workforce employed late at night has significantly decreased since the 1970s. This change is mainly attributed to rising real incomes, making night work less desirable. Increased earnings mean workers are less likely to accept less pleasant work hours. Employers now have to offer a higher wage premium to compensate for undesirable shifts. Retail is an exception, with big-box stores and distribution centers increasing late-night work demands. Telework during the COVID-19 pandemic further concentrated work into prime hours, mainly for college-educated individuals. France showed a parallel trend of workday compression during a similar time frame. The UK did not experience this shift because of the country's rapid de-unionization.