A growing number of workers, especially Gen Z, are moving toward “micro-shifts,” or shifts lasting six hours or less. The trend, outlined in Deputy’s Big Shift: U.S. 2025 report, reflects a broader shift in how younger generations think about work, flexibility and making ends meet. 

Instead of traditional eight-hour shifts, more people are stacking shorter blocks of work to manage school, caregiving or second jobs. Gen Z makes up over half of these micro-shift workers and the majority say they see AI as a tool that helps, not replaces, their work. The setup gives them a way to stay employed without giving up control over their schedules. 

It’s not just young people either. Deputy’s data shows that Gen Alpha and Baby Boomers are also worker shorter shifts. The shift is most common in services and hospitality jobs, where scheduling is more flexible and less regulated. Still, most micro-shift workers are women—and they’re often concentrated in lower-paying roles. 

Technology is a big part of why this is possible. Artificial Intelligence (AI)  tools now let employers offer personalized scheduling at scale. About 45% of workers say AI has improved their work-life balance, and a majority of large companies in retail and logistics now use it to manage shifts. 

For employers, offering shorter shifts could be a way to attract more talent and reduce burnout. As more people look for flexible work on their own terms, micro-shifts may become less of a trend and more of a standard.