The 24-hour society between myth and reality

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Occupational Health
• Chronobiology

Background:

• The concept of a 24-hour society is emerging, blurring traditional time constraints in human life.
• Shift work, night work, and flexible hours are key features of this societal shift, impacting workers significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the implications of a 24-hour society.
• To evaluate the costs and sustainability of altered working time structures.
• To analyze the advantages and disadvantages for individuals, companies, and society.

Main Methods:

• Review of research on irregular working hours and health consequences.
• Analysis of the impact on physical health, psychological well-being, and social/family life.
• Exploration of economic, productive, and social effects of changing work values.

Main Results:

• Irregular working hours can lead to negative health consequences.
• The boundaries between work and social life are becoming increasingly indistinct.
• Shift workers are both contributors to and negatively affected by these changes.

Conclusions:

• A passive acceptance of the 24-hour society risks maladjustment.
• Effective preventive and compensatory strategies are needed.
• The goal is to build a more sustainable society with acceptable costs and maximum benefits.