Impact of long working hours on health based on observations in China

Abstract

Background Health should be a key focus in considerations of long working hours. Little is known about for which groups of people working longer hours is more harmful to their health. Additionally, the definition of long working hours varies slightly due to country differences in working hours systems. Therefore, this study aims to explore the association between long working hours and the self-rated health (SRH) level, taking into account gender and educational differences. Method Data were collected from two waves (2016 and 2018) of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). A total of 6972 workers were available for analysis. Descriptive statistical analysis, an ordered probit (oprobit) model and conditional mixed process (CMP) regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Furthermore, I conducted a stratified analysis by gender and education groups. Result This study observed a negative association between long working hours and SRH. Compared to other education groups, labor with long working hours had a more negative impact on the SRH of those with higher education. Long working hours had a more negative influence on the SRH of male workers. In contrast, no clear association was found among female workers. Conclusion This study estimates SRH of those with long working hours in China. Among workers, long working hours have a negative impact on the health of workers with college degrees or beyond. One possible explanation is that they do not exercise, their diet is unreasonable, and their working conditions involve chronic exposure to computer radiation. The negative health effects of long working hours on males are four times greater than those on females. This study provides valuable insights into the health of the workforce, working time regulations and overtime rules.

Gendered executive headhunting with Chinese characteristics

“…China's liberalization led to both a highly dynamic talent market and the subordination of women (Xiao & Asadullah, 2020). Executive working hours in China are high by Western standards, which has serious health implications, especially for women who carry both work and family responsibilities (Chu, 2021). In addition, the notion that men, and masculine characteristics, are inherently more competent than women in leadership roles is still held (Hu & Guan, 2021).…”

Labour-Market Characteristics and Self-Rated Health: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

“…For example, studies of Korean workers indicated that precarious employment, such as temporary work, was associated with 1.31 times higher chance of poorer SRH for men and 1.34 times higher chance of poorer SRH for women [ 14 ]. The effects of long working hours on health is well studied in developed countries [ 15 ], although there is no strict definition of long working hours and the cut-offs for defining long working hours (e.g., ≥55 h/week) differ across studies [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Working long hours is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases and poor SRH [ 17 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…The effects of long working hours on health is well studied in developed countries [ 15 ], although there is no strict definition of long working hours and the cut-offs for defining long working hours (e.g., ≥55 h/week) differ across studies [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Working long hours is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases and poor SRH [ 17 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Two of the possible connections linking long working hours and poor health outcomes are physiological and behavioural mechanisms [ 16 ].…”

Job Burnout in Women and the Need to Use Psychological Services and Counselling in Workplaces

“…In the era of rapid economic development, the quality of the workforce has attracted widespread attention, and in this regard, health is an important factor [1]. "According to various studies, there have been significant inequalities between men and women in terms of the incidence of psychological distress, and women suffer from psychological diseases to more than men" [2].…”

“…Among the reasons that cause women to experience burnout more, we can mention things such as long working hours. According to various reports, in recent years, the continuous increase in the working hours of employees had a direct impact on the health level of employees and has also harmed economic development and social stability [1]. "In addition, women do more additional work outside of their official roles, including managing household affairs and raising children.…”