A recent study published in the Scand J Work Environ Health examines the effects of working outside regular hours on the health and wellbeing of employees. The study titled “The consequences of after-hours work: a fixed-effect study of burnout, pain, detachment, and work–home conflict among Norwegian workers” by Vilde Bernstrøm, et al, analyzes how after-hours work impacts Norwegian employees.
Four Types of Work Outside Regular Hours
The researchers analyzed longitudinal data (Fixed Effects) from 1,465 full-time employees in Norway and examined four types of work outside regular hours:
Long daily hours (more than 10 hours per day)
Late evening work (after 9 PM)
Short recovery periods (less than 11 hours rest between shifts)
Long weekly hours (more than 40 hours per week)
Effects on Burnout, Detachment & Work-Home Conflict
Late evening work, long daily hours, and long weekly hours were associated with higher work–home conflict and lower psychological detachment. Additionally, weekly work hours were directly linked to increased burnout.
Effects on Work Time Control
Limited control over work time exacerbated the effects of short recovery periods on burnout, underscoring the need for balanced scheduling practices.
The implications for employers are clear: These findings highlight the importance of rethinking after-hours work policies. It is crucial to prioritize healthy schedules to reduce the risk of burnout. At the same time, employee control over work time should be improved to mitigate negative effects. Furthermore, it is important to develop family-friendly practices that balance productivity and wellbeing. For organizations facing the challenges of flexible work models, this study provides actionable insights into promoting a sustainable and supportive work environment.
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