Balancing shiftwork and life outside work: do 12-h shifts make a difference?
Twelve-hour shifts are a popular alternative to 8-h shifts as many consider these shift arrangements superior in terms of facilitating a better social and family life. This view is largely based on anecdotal evidence, however as few studies have examined longitudinal relations between work/non-work conflict and shift length. Using self-report data from 137 machine operators, this study examined whether 8- and 12-h shifts have a differential impact on work/non-work conflict. Relationships between work/non-work conflict and subjective health were also examined. Profile analysis revealed no significant relationships between shift length and work/non-work conflict. Results of regression analyses indicated that work/non-work conflict was positively related to psychological health on 8 and 12-h shifts (p<.01) but not to physical health. These results suggest that 12-h shifts did not offer any benefits or disadvantages for workers trying to reconcile their work and non-work life during the 13-month study period.
Loudoun
Rebecca
R
Department of Employment Relations, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia. r.loudoun@griffith.edu.au <r.loudoun@griffith.edu.au>
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003201:Computers; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*