Approximately 20% of the population is unable to work shifts involving nights

For some individuals, maintaining good health and continuing as a shift worker is simply not possible. Is it because they are not doing good self-care? Is it because they are not protecting their sleep? Maybe, but it is far more likely that they are not well adapted to shift work. Do you know the characteristics that predispose one to be more adaptable to shift work? If not, you may be putting yourself at greater risk. Our proprietary tools can help to identify at-risk individuals and assist in ensuring their well-being.

Shift work is a fact of life for 25% of today’s workplace.

Though night work has been required since prehistoric times (someone had to keep the fire and provide protection from predators), the need has been increasing through the industrial age and ever more so today when we demand instant service and convenience.

Census data in the US indicates that approximately 25% of the workforce does shift work, while in Canada, the data indicates that approximately 30% of the workforce is involved in ‘non-standard’ hours of work. These percentages have risen only slightly over the last decade but because the workforce has expanded, it means there are an ever increasing number of people doing shift and night work.

Shiftwork is not just a schedule. It is a lifestyle.

Many people view shift work as just a job or a schedule and try to live a ‘normal’ life, like their family and friends. They become quite frustrated because they are constantly juggling schedules and never quite fit in with most activities.

When you accept a shift work position, you must also accept that you are committing to a way of life. This way of life is quite different from that of your relatives and friends, but it is one which is ‘normal’ for you and your family. It will require many adjustments for you, your family and friends. (from Working ‘Round the Clock: A Survival Guide for Shift and Night Workers)

The people who are most successful with shift work learn to appreciate and take advantage of what a shift work lifestyle has to offer. What are the advantages of your shift work lifestyle?

It may help to know that you are not alone. Labour data suggests that approximately 30% of the Canadian work force and 25% of the US work force works ‘non-standard’ hours.

Shiftworkers have a greater incidence of marital breakdown.

In one group of 13 male shift work employees, 11 were divorced! The two who were still with their long-time partners were considered very much the exception. Everyone in this group understood the major impact has on personal relationships.

Though rates of marital breakdown are usually not as high as in this particular group, the rates among shift workers are still higher than the norm. If you have been a shift worker, you are well-aware that it is much more difficult to sustain a relationship with the extra stress of irregular sleep and wake times. Add to this, the fact that even when the shift worker is at home and awake, they may be fatigued and not in the best frame of mind to give energy to their family and partner.

The best strategy for maintaining relationships through shift work is to put a premium on learning and practising effective communication skills. It is also very useful for the spouse to learn about shift work and the impact it has on the worker. This will help them to be more empathetic with their partner.

To learn more, plan a Family Forum at your workplace.