Many retailers have relied on on-call scheduling: when an employee calls off, crowds swell, or an emergency occurs, an employer can call a handful of staff who are available on short notice. Recently, several retailers ended on-call scheduling after employee feedback and pressure from labor groups and regulators. Read on to learn why those changes happened and whether on-call scheduling is a smart choice for your business.
The changes began after an investigation by the New York attorney general’s office raised concerns about the practice. In New York, employers generally must provide a minimum amount of pay to employees who report for a scheduled shift, even if the shift is shorter than anticipated; the attorney general’s office argued that requiring employees to call in shortly before a shift can be equivalent to the uncertainty that the pay rule seeks to prevent.
Some large retailers responded by changing their policies. For example, several national chains announced they would stop on-call scheduling and instead post schedules with more advance notice; some also committed to give workers at least one week’s notice about schedule details in affected locations.
Advocates and regulators have noted several benefits to ending on-call scheduling: employees gain predictable hours, which helps with budgeting, childcare and transportation planning, and it reduces the burden on lower-paid workers who often face the most irregular schedules.
Other scheduling issues have come into focus as well. Some employers have pledged to reduce or eliminate “clopening” shifts (closing late and reopening early the next morning), and many retailers are exploring posting schedules at least one week in advance to give employees more stability.
Whether your business is located in New York or another state, review your on-call scheduling practices and compare them to state and local labor rules. Also consider how your scheduling approach affects employee retention and morale; if you operate a retail location, you may want to review insurance and storefront protections such as Roasted Coffee Insurance Coverage as part of broader risk management. If you need help evaluating options, consider taking time to talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on-call scheduling?
On-call scheduling asks employees to be available to work with little advance notice and often requires them to call in before a shift to learn whether they are needed.
Are on-call schedules legal?
Legality depends on state and local labor laws and whether employers meet minimum reporting or pay requirements; rules vary by jurisdiction.
What are common complaints from employees about on-call scheduling?
Employees often cite unpredictable income, difficulty arranging childcare or transportation, and stress from last-minute schedule changes.
How can employers balance operational flexibility with schedule stability?
Employers can post schedules in advance, limit last-minute on-call shifts, offer predictable part-time hours, and communicate changes clearly to staff.