Deliberately Casual? Workers' Agency, Health, and Nonstandard Employment Relations in Australia

Abstract

Objective: We explored Australian workers' experiences of nonstandard employment, how it related to health and wellbeing, and the role that Bourdieu's forms of capital (cultural, economic and social resources) played in underpinning workers' agency. Methods:Qualitative data from semistructured interviews with 32 causal workers were analysed based on framework analysis. Results: Most participants were 'deliberate casuals' who had chosen casual over permanent employment, with half of that group naming improved health and wellbeing as motivation. Those with greater access to capital felt more able to exercise choice, whereas those with fewer capital resources felt constrained to be casual. Gendered structures and labour market dynamics were also significant in shaping agency. Conclusions:Access to capital and a buoyant labour market underpinned workers' agency in Australia, enabling some to gain health and wellbeing benefits from nonstandard employment.

Autonomy at work in the gig economy: analysing work status, work content and working conditions of independent professionals

“…According to McNamara (2006), "forced" casual working arrangements are often associated with adverse OH&S indicators. Conversely, Keuskamp et al (2013) show a large proportion of "deliberate" casual workers report improved health and well-being as consequences of their job.…”

“…Conversely, Keuskamp et al . () show a large proportion of “deliberate” casual workers report improved health and well‐being as consequences of their job.…”

The Effect of Non-regular Employment on the Health Behaviors, Mental Health and Quality of Life: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013

“…영향을 주는 것으로 보고하는 경우가 많지만 결과들에 논 란이 있다 (Quinlan M et al, 2001;Bardasi E et al, 2004;Muntaner C et al, 2010;Keuskamp D et al, 2013). 비정규직이…”

“…또한 비정규직 근로자는 저임금을 만회하기 위해 장시간의 고강도 노동을 선택하는 경우가 많고 직업 단절과 같은 고용 불안에 노출되어 있다는 점들 이 건강에 나쁘게 작용할 수 있다 (Quinlan M et al, 2001;Bardasi E et al, 2004;Muntaner C et al, 2010;Sohn SY, 2011;Keuskamp D et al, 2013).…”

A qualitative study of the interactions among the psychosocial work environment and family, community and services for workers with low mental health

“…Rose) illustrated that having benefits such as lunch breaks did not always translate into being able to use them. Elsewhere, we have found that those workers in skilled occupations and working through temporary agencies may, in some circumstances, experience better mental health than their permanently or otherwise more securely employed colleagues [47]. …”