Shiftwork as gendered and its impact on work-family balance

Abstract

Arguably one of the most challenging types of work in terms of work-family conflict is shiftwork. This is particularly the case when such shifts are rotating and inconsistent, and thus cannot be counted on for stability or routine regarding arranging for non-work considerations (e.g., childcare). Historically, shiftwork has been highly gendered, although it became less so during World War II when women were called into manufacturing roles. Despite this, it remains the case that women’s traditional shiftwork roles (e.g., nursing) may be differentially family-friendly as compared to male’s traditional shiftwork roles (e.g., law enforcement). This chapter examines both consistent and rotational shiftwork in terms of their respective effects on work-family outcomes and how these may differ for men and women in shiftwork roles. This chapter also examines how the unique work schedules of shift workers may exacerbate traditional challenges of work-family balance via multiple methods, including the obvious scheduling challenges but also including the less frequently considered challenges of sleep-, affect-, and health-related consequences of shiftwork, and how such outcomes may differ dependent upon gender.