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Work Schedule Unpredictability: Daily Occurrence and Effects on Working Parents' Well-Being
Elizabeth O Ananat1, Anna Gassman-Pines2
1Columbia University.
Journal of Marriage and the Family
|December 9, 2021
Summary
Work schedule unpredictability is common for low-wage hourly workers, negatively impacting parents' mood and sleep quality. This instability in work schedules can affect overall family well-being.
Area of Science:
- Family Science
- Sociology
- Labor Economics
Background:
- Workplace experiences significantly influence family dynamics.
- Increased work schedule unpredictability, particularly for low-wage workers, necessitates further study.
- The impact of schedule unpredictability on worker and family well-being remains under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence and frequency of unpredictable work schedules among low-wage hourly employees.
- To determine the effects of work schedule unpredictability on the well-being of workers and their families.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 92 parents with children aged 2-7 using venue-time sampling.
- Collected daily surveys for 30 consecutive days (N = 2,221 person-days).
- Employed descriptive analyses and family fixed-effects regression models.
Main Results:
- Work schedule unpredictability was pervasive, with 87% of parents experiencing changes.
- Unanticipated work schedule changes occurred on 13.3% of observed days.
- Daily unpredictable work schedule changes correlated with increased negative mood and decreased sleep quality for parents.
Conclusions:
- Work schedule unpredictability is a widespread issue for low-wage hourly workers.
- Unscheduled and canceled shifts negatively affect parental well-being.
- This instability may have downstream consequences for child development and family well-being.
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