The hidden costs of late-night work

For many employees, late-night work isn’t a choice—it’s just part of the job. Whether they’re on the night shift, staying late to meet deadlines, or logging on after hours, these workers keep businesses running long past sunset. But working late comes with a price.

Well-being concerns: Burnout is on the rise, with 82% of employees citing “excessive hours” as a key factor.
Engagement issues: Employees who feel unsupported during late shifts are more likely to disengage—and eventually leave.
Commute challenges: Public transit is less frequent at night, leaving employees with longer wait times and fewer options.

In this article, we’ll explore how late-night work affects employees and what your company can do to help workers who burn the midnight oil—from easing commutes to offering meals that fuel well-being and engagement.

The after-hours commute: fewer options, more stress

Late-night commutes come with hidden costs that drain employees’ time, money, and energy, ultimately impacting productivity and profitability.

Time

Whether they’re using mass transit or driving, late-night workers often spend more time commuting than their daytime counterparts. Among the 17% of US workers on late shifts, less-available public transit and added fatigue from driving have increased commute times. A 2024 study found that commuting at night can take longer, be more stressful, and raise safety concerns—all of which negatively impact employee well-being and productivity. Given the choice, most workers would rather spend time with their family (77%) or be more productive at work (74%).

Money

“Time is money” as they say, and for the average American, commuting costs nearly $4,829 a year. No wonder a 2025 poll revealed that over a third of workers would accept a pay cut to shorten their daily commute. And late-shift workers face additional financial strain—not only do they earn a median of $5,000 less than their day-shift counterparts, but the cost of car ownership can consume up to 30% of their pre-tax earnings. Whether it’s because of gas costs, public transit fares, or rideshare expenses, commutes can affect your employees’ willingness to travel to work. In fact, 26% of hybrid employees say they’d be more inclined to return to the office if their commute costs were reimbursed.

Energy

Long commutes don’t just drain wallets—they drain energy, too. Late-night workers contribute over $84 billion in annual sales, yet businesses, particularly in industries like bars and restaurants, face the challenge of unstable workforces due to limited transportation options. Lack of accessible public transit leads to higher absenteeism, lateness, and turnover. Research by the American Public Transit Association shows that employee turnover is significantly lower in areas with better transit access. For manufacturing businesses alone, improving transit options has led to annual savings of $5.3 million to $6.1 million by reducing turnover.

Pro tip: customize your employee commute program with Uber for Business

Treat your late-shift and early-morning workers to stress-free commutes. With Uber for Business, you can cover or subsidize rides for your team, filling transit gaps and helping employees stay safe, any time of day or night.

Ensure a smooth ride every time:

Set the rules. Choose coverage limits, eligible ride times, and vehicle options.
Manage riders easily. Add employees individually, upload a CSV, or integrate.
Offer one-tap access. Employees can request rides through their Uber business profile.

With service in over 15,000 cities across 70 countries, it’s easy to keep your team moving—no matter where they work.

Learn more about Uber for Business commute programs

The overtime diet: poor nutrition, higher costs

Late-night work isn’t just exhausting for employees—it’s expensive for businesses. What employees eat (or don’t eat) directly impacts their energy, focus, and overall performance. And for those working long hours or night shifts, subpar meal options can have serious health consequences.

Poor nutrition

Research shows that night-shift workers face higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues—and these risks only increase when vending machines are the main dining option. According to a 2024 study of overnight healthcare workers, employees often turn to unhealthy snacks—high in fat, sodium, and added sugar—to stay awake. Building on previous research that connected circadian rhythm disruption to long-term health conditions, the latest findings suggest unhealthy eating habits compound the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease for late-shift employees.

Absenteeism and presenteeism

Unhealthy diets weaken the immune system and increase the risk of chronic illness, making employees more likely to call in sick. And for workers worn out by putting in extra hours, fatigue plays a major role—one study of 2,743 workers found that those experiencing fatigue were nearly twice as likely to report work impairment and health-related job loss.

Healthcare and productivity costs

Late-night shifts and poor eating habits are a double whammy for employers. In the short term, erratic eating patterns cause energy crashes, sluggish metabolism, and overeating, making it harder for workers to stay sharp. A Brigham Young University study found that employees with poor diets were 66% more likely to be unproductive. On the flip side, Harvard Health highlights that a balanced diet, with unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can help overnight workers beat fatigue and improve cognitive function. Long-term, the cost of unhealthy late-night eating habits can really add up—one study revealed that overnight shifts led to 78 additional cases of diabetes and 97 cases of obesity, costing employers over $1.4 million annually in excess healthcare expenses.

Turnover

Burnout isn’t just about minimizing workload—it’s also about maximizing well-being. Employees who regularly work late nights without access to nutritious food options are more likely to experience exhaustion and dissatisfaction. In the 2024 Deloitte Well-Being at Work survey, 59% of workers, 66% of managers, and 71% of the C-suite said they would seriously consider taking another job that better supports their well-being. When companies fail to prioritize wellness, they risk losing valuable talent to organizations that do.

Pro tip: customize your employee meal program with Uber for Business

Late shifts shouldn’t mean running on empty. With Uber for Business, you can give your night crew hassle-free access to hot, satisfying meals from more than a million restaurants worldwide.

Make nutritious meals easy:

Set it and forget it. Schedule recurring group orders or send daily meal reminders.
Give them choices. Let employees choose what they want from a wide variety of options in the Uber Eats app.
Stay in control. Define budget limits, mealtimes, and restaurant options, and track spending—all in one dashboard.

Plus, with Uber One, you can save up to 10% on meals, enjoy $0 Delivery Fee on eligible orders, and keep your team happy without breaking the budget.

Learn more about Uber for Business meal programs

Support your people—and boost your bottom line

Behind every late-night shift is a hidden drain on resources: longer commutes, exhausted employees, and increased health risks, all silently chipping away at productivity and ROI.

Uber for Business can help turn that around. With our on-demand commute and meal programs, you can provide employees with flexible options that benefit their health, well-being, and effectiveness—all in a way that makes sense for your budget.

Products and features mentioned in this article may not be available in your region. Please reach out to Uber for Business customer support if you have questions.