Shift Worker Survey Highlights Physical and Emotional Toll of Working Night Shifts and Other Non-Traditional Hours

A recent survey of 1500 shift workers conducted through a partnership of Men’s Health Network and Cephalon, Inc. found that shift workers, people who work non-traditional hours such as overnight shifts, report that these shifts can negatively impact their health, work and well-being. The survey revealed that the majority of shift workers (79%) believe that they are negatively impacted by their shift work and report issues associated with work productivity, negative emotions, concern about sex life and decreased time spent with family. It is important to note that this survey was conducted in shift workers, not necessarily those with shift work disorder.

In terms of emotional and psychological impact, more than half surveyed reported feeling frustrated (51%) and drained (51%) in the last week, with many others reporting irritability (42%), anxiety (36%) and anger (32%). Survey respondents also report daily concern for their energy level (47%), weight (43%), and their sex lives (30%). The average shift worker has not had a meal with their family in two weeks or exercised in 24 days.

The survey also found that:

  • Most shift workers feel behind in their daily responsibilities (55%) and in planning for the future (67%).
  • A majority of shift workers (60%) report being left off the invitation list for social events such as birthday parties and weddings.
  • Its not just men who are impacted by shift work. More women (47%) than men (36%) who work non-traditional shifts are dissatisfied with their schedules and report negative emotions and psychological effects such as frustration (59% vs. 44%), irritability (50% vs. 35%) and anxiety (41% vs. 31%).

The survey was conducted by Kelton Research and Cephalon, Inc. The survey was fielded online and was completed by 1,565 shift workers between May 25th and June 1st, 2011. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results.