Work family conflict, family work conflicts and work-related quality of life: The effect of rotating versus fixed shifts.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

This study examined the difference between rotating and fixed shift schedules on work-family conflict, family-work conflict and work-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of rotating shifts on work-family conflict, family-work conflict and work-related quality of life among nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design was used to conduct this study.

METHODS

Data were collected from 216 nurses using the Work and Family Conflict Scale and Work-Related Quality of Life. Bivariate correlations and independent samples t-tests were performed. The results of the current study were reported using the STROBE checklist.

RESULTS

Bivariate correlations showed that work-related family quality of life is negatively associated with work-family and family-work conflicts. The mean differences between the two groups (rotating and fixed shifts) were significant for all three variables: work-family conflicts, family-work conflicts and work-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Rotating shifts are associated with an increased risk of experiencing work-family and family-work conflicts and decreasing their quality of working life, which may adversely affect the quality of care provided.

RELEVANCE TO THE CLINICAL PRACTICE

The effect of shift types on nurses and how rotating shifts have more severe consequences on nurses should be considered. Nurse managers are encouraged to use the findings of this study to mitigate the risk of any work-family or family-work conflicts and improve nurses' work-related quality of life.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The chief nursing officers at the data collection settings facilitated direct contact with potential participants and data collection.