Job-Related Determinants of Unhealthy Lifestyles

We investigate whether job-related characteristics are related to unhealthy lifestyles. We consider two components of unhealthy lifestyles, namely smoking behavior and overweight.

For our study, we use data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). Depending on our dependent variables, we apply tobit and ordered probit estimations. We further run fixed-effects estimations since the panel structure of the SOEP allows us to follow individuals over time. Furthermore, we include interaction terms into our analysis and examine whether there are age differences concerning the relation between job-related characteristics and unhealthy lifestyles.

We find evidence that time pressure and overtime, in particular, are associated to unhealthy lifestyles. Furthermore, we find that the relationship between overtime, fixed-term contracts, commuting, and unhealthy lifestyles is particularly pronounced for the elderly.

Employees who experience high time pressure or who work more hours than defined in their employment contract are more at risk of practicing unhealthy lifestyles. The relations between overtime, fixed-term contracts, commuting, and unhealthy lifestyles are getting stronger with age.