Balancing shiftwork and life outside work: do 12-h shifts make a difference?

Twelve-hour shifts are a popular alternative to 8-h shifts as many consider these shift arrangements superior in terms of facilitating a better social and family life. This view is largely based on anecdotal evidence, however as few studies have examined longitudinal relations between work/non-work conflict and shift length. Using self-report data from 137 machine operators, this study examined whether 8- and 12-h shifts have a differential impact on work/non-work conflict. Relationships between work/non-work conflict and subjective health were also examined. Profile analysis revealed no significant relationships between shift length and work/non-work conflict. Results of regression analyses indicated that work/non-work conflict was positively related to psychological health on 8 and 12-h shifts (p<.01) but not to physical health. These results suggest that 12-h shifts did not offer any benefits or disadvantages for workers trying to reconcile their work and non-work life during the 13-month study period.