Working Time Society consensus statements: Individual differences in shift work tolerance and recommendations for...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Chronobiology
• Psychology

Background:

• No universal definition or validated biological adjustment to shift work exists.
• Limited evidence on shift work tolerance due to few studies and narrow outcome measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• Discuss evidence on individual differences in shift work tolerance.
• Highlight areas for future research and workplace recommendations.
• Identify modifiable versus innate factors influencing tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on shift work tolerance.
• Analysis of consistently associated factors with perceived and actual tolerance.
• Discussion of innate and acquired mechanisms of adjustment.

Main Results:

• Younger age, late chronotype, low languidity/neuroticism, high extraversion, internal locus of control, flexibility, and male sex are associated with better tolerance.
• Distinction between modifiable (lifestyle) and non-modifiable (work schedule) factors is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Identifying determinants of shift work tolerance is vital for supporting at-risk workers.
• Future research should expand the evidence base for harm mitigation strategies.
• Workplace practices need to incorporate evidence-based support for shift workers.