Unpredictable work schedules and sharp fluctuations in workload negatively affect employees' well-being, with consequences differing between men and women, reports infohub.kz.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign analyzed data from over 61,000 Americans aged 18 to 64. They tracked changes in schedules and health indicators over 16 months. The results showed that regular variations in workload harm well-being more than consistently high or low weekly hours.
Reactions to unstable schedules show clear gender differences. Men with constant fluctuations in hours worked more often report a gradual decline in overall health but continue working in the same job. In this group, the probability of declining health rises from 28% to 38% with maximum instability.
Women react differently. Instead of continuing to work at the expense of their health, they are more likely to reduce shifts, take sick leave, or quit entirely. Experts emphasize that schedule stability is a crucial factor in preserving workers' health.