The associations of working hour characteristics with short sickness absence among part- and full-time retail workers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the associations of working hour characteristics with short (1–3 days) sickness absence (SA) among retail workers. Methods: As part of “RetailHours-project”, 4046 employees of 338 Finnish retail stores were included. Registry-based data on working hour characteristics and short SA were utilized. A case-crossover design was used and the odds ratios (OR) were controlled for the clustering effect and working hour characteristics. Results: There were strong dose–response relationships between percent of short (<11 hours) shift intervals and short SA among part- and full-time workers, men and women, and younger and older workers. Compared to workers without short shift intervals, the risk of SA was 1.47 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–1.68] higher among workers who had short shift intervals <10% of work times, 2.39 times (95% CI 2.03–2.82) higher among workers who had 10–25% of work times, and 4.03 times (CI 2.34–6.93) higher among workers who had short shift intervals >25% of work times. Weekly working hours >40 hours were associated with SA among part-time workers [odds ratio (OR) 2.22, CI 1.65–2.98], women (OR 1.62, CI 1.27–2.07) and among workers <30 years of age (OR 1.68, CI 1.20–2.35) as well as among workers aged ≥30 years (OR 1.43, CI 1.07–1.92). Furthermore, working mainly night shifts was associated with SA among full-time workers (OR 2.41, 95% CI 0.99–5.86) and women (OR 1.72, CI 1.02–2.89). Conclusions: A short shift interval is an important risk factor for short SA. Improving intervals between shifts and shortening long weekly working hours could reduce the risk of short SA among retail workers.

Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on the associations between shift work and sickness absence

“…For instance, one study found that quick returns (< 11 h of rest between shifts) were associated with a higher risk of sickness absence, while night work was not [ 24 ]. Another study reported that working mainly night shifts was associated with short-term sickness absence among full-time retail workers [ 25 ]. One study indicated that two-shift rotation (days and evenings), three-shift rotation (days, evenings, and nights), and fixed night work were related to elevated short-term sickness absence, but findings were inconclusive for long-term sickness absence [ 21 ].…”

“…Many of the latter factors can also be considered as confounding variables. Some recent studies have adjusted for confounders, e.g., weekly work hours and length of shift [ 21 , 25 ], but the previous systematic review noted that many studies did not adjust for such variables [ 15 ].…”

Night and evening shifts and risk of calling in sick within the next two days – a case-crossover study design based on day-to-day payroll data

“…Yet, the results of these studies are inconsistent. Some studies found higher rates of sickness absence among night shift workers ( 11 – 16 , 18 ) compared to workers on day shift, whereas other studies observed no relationship ( 12 , 17 , 19 ).…”

The Role of the Work Environment in the Relationship Between Shiftwork and Sickness Absence

“…Both shiftwork with and without night shifts have been linked to increased sickness absence, 7,8,10–14 although some studies also indicate that the relationship is dependent on the population and shift schedule 9,15,16 . In the present article, we therefore focus on two typical shift schedules: two-shift rotations, with day and evening shifts, and three-shift rotations, with day, evening, and night shifts.…”

“…Both shiftwork with and without night shifts have been linked to increased sickness absence, 7,8,[10][11][12][13][14] although some studies also indicate that the relationship is dependent on the population and shift schedule. 9,15,16 In the present article, we therefore focus on two typical shift schedules: two-shift rotations, with day and evening shifts, and three-shift rotations, with day, evening, and night shifts. We investigate whether (1) a positive work environment can moderate the adverse consequences of shiftwork and (2) whether a poorer work environment can explain the high risk of absence identified among shiftworkers.…”