Shift workers spread thin as Australia’s ‘nocturnal economy’ booms

The night shift is becoming increasingly busier for Aussie shift workers as spending opportunities continue to grow after dark.

A recent study conducted by Deputy has shown that Australia’s ‘nocturnal economy’ is booming. The study, which analysed 79.6 million shifts and 548.1 million hours of 704,600 shift workers across hospitality, retail, healthcare, and services, found that nighttime spending across major Australian cities grew to become a $20.9 billion industry, outperforming US cities such as New York and Los Angeles.

“In the coming years, nighttime economic growth is expected to accelerate across all Australian metropolitan cities,” Dr Shashi Karunanethy, chief economist at Geografia, said.

“This shift is driven by three factors — changing consumer habits and rising incomes, regulatory shifts, and urban heat and climate change impact.”

The data showed that in Brisbane alone, spending reached $6.2 billion, growing 10 per cent in 2024 and making it the top city for nighttime shift work in Australia, surpassing Melbourne ($5.1 billion) and Sydney ($3.5 billion) respectively.

Brisbane’s growth could be a result of cheaper public transport systems, paired with an increase in cost pressures across Victoria and NSW.

“As household incomes grow, there is increasing demand for vibrant, late-night retail and hospitality precincts. City governments are recognising this and gradually loosening trading restrictions, particularly in CBDs, to support economic revitalisation and encourage evening commerce.”

“Consumers too are shifting their shopping and dining habits away from daytime heat towards cooler evening hours. These factors are reshaping retail patterns, making twilight trading a key driver of economic activity in Australia’s urban centres,” Karunanethy said.

Gen Z made up over half of all shift work hours (47 per cent), compared with 33 per cent of Millennials and 16 per cent of Gen X.

According to the data, nearly 35 per cent of Gen Z shift workers were actively looking for new roles, with more than three-quarters (78 per cent) saying their paycheck was their biggest driver, as over a fifth were unable to cover living expenses.

Women tended to make up the majority of these workers as they often faced increased financial insecurity and were more likely to work multiple jobs compared to men, according to the data. Due to this, poly-employment has been an avenue that 58 per cent of women have turned to with hopes of making ends meet.

“A fundamental generational shift is underway, with Gen Z redefining the very concept of work value, placing unprecedented emphasis on remuneration,” Silvija Martincevic, chief executive of Deputy, said.

“Employers who cling to outdated notions of workplace priorities will find themselves increasingly alienated from the talent they desperately need to thrive.”

As the night economy continued to expand within the cities, and businesses looked to cash in, they would need to ensure that they were well equipped with an abundance of staff to work those tough night shifts, highlighting the importance of a contemporary approach to retention and recruitment.

“Adaptability is also crucial when it comes to supporting female shift workers who often face additional caregiving and domestic responsibilities.”

“While less mobile in the job market than their male counterparts, women are resilient and turn to poly-employment as a means of achieving both reliable income and flexible working conditions. Businesses offering more stable and equitable opportunities for women will help to ensure long-term workforce sustainability," concluded Martincevic.