Association between unpredictable work schedule and work-family conflict in Korea

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sociology of Work
• Family Studies

Background:

• Rising global prevalence of unpredictable work schedules (UWS).
• Limited research on UWS impact on Korean workers' well-being.
• Need to investigate UWS and work-family conflict (WFC) in Korea.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between unpredictable work schedules (UWS) and work-family conflict (WFC).
• Utilize data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 31,859 participants from the 6th KWCS (2020-2021).
• UWS measured by schedule changes and advance notice frequency.
• WFC assessed via work-to-family and family-to-work conflict items.
• Logistic regression analysis adjusted for multiple demographic and work factors.

Main Results:

• UWS prevalence higher in men, <40 years, service/sales, blue-collar, higher salary, and smaller workplaces (<50 employees).
• Workers with UWS showed a significantly higher odds ratio (OR: 3.71) for WFC compared to those without.
• This association remained robust after adjusting for numerous confounding variables.

Conclusions:

• Unpredictable work schedules (UWS) negatively impact workers' ability to fulfill family roles, leading to increased work-family conflict (WFC).
• Policy interventions targeting unfair work schedule management are essential.
• Promoting work-life balance and supporting family responsibilities requires systemic changes in work scheduling.