Quinyx: In 2050, your work schedule might matter more than your salary

From scheduling frustration to global AI pioneer in frontline work: Quinyx turns 20

In 2050, the quality of your schedule could matter more than your salary. That’s the bold prediction from Quinyx CEO Erik Fjellborg, who believes the companies that win the frontline talent war will be those whose algorithms best respect people’s time.

As Quinyx celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s not just marking a milestone — it’s doubling down on a mission that began two decades ago behind a McDonald’s grill. “When the rota is a mess, everything is a mess,” says Fjellborg. That firsthand frustration sparked the idea for what would become Quinyx, now a global AI platform that powers smarter, fairer shift work in over 50 countries.

The future of WFM: Invisible, empowering, human

Fjellborg envisions a future where workforce management (WFM) is almost invisible. “AI will take care of forecasting and scheduling,” he says. “Managers can focus on coaching, and employees can own their time.” As labor markets tighten due to aging populations, skill shortages, and changing worker expectations, flexible, fair, and fast scheduling will be more valuable than ever.

From sticky notes to AI that thinks ahead

Quinyx began in 2005 as an online scheduling solution. In 2020, it acquired Dutch AI firm Widget Brain, embedding machine learning into scheduling years before most competitors took it seriously.

That investment pays off daily. For companies like ISS, Quinyx helps save ~2% of total labor costs across 10,000 employees and slashes admin time.

“Our AI doesn’t just suggest shifts,” says Fjellborg. “It runs in warehouses and restaurants every day, delivering real-world impact.”

Two decades of growth, one consistent focus: Respect frontline workers

From its first client - McDonald’s Sweden, still on board 20 years later - to global expansion across retail, logistics, and healthcare, Quinyx has stayed true to its DNA: fix the frontline experience.

In 2022, it launched tools for employee engagement and communication, unifying scheduling and culture into one experience.

“It’s not about filling gaps,” says Fjellborg. “It’s about creating better workdays.”

Why this matters now

Retailers, logistics firms, and other shift-driven sectors face constant unpredictability, from weather and consumer behavior to TikTok-fueled product spikes. In this context, AI-driven scheduling becomes a competitive edge and a key part of the employee value proposition.

“By 2050, smart scheduling won’t just save money, it will attract talent,” says Fjellborg. “It will say to workers: we value your time.”