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Association Between Flexible Work Arrangement and Sleep Problems Among Paid Workers: Using 6th Korean Working
Eunseun Han1,2, Yongho Lee1,2, Sanghyuk Lee1,2
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
Safety and Health at Work
|March 18, 2024
Summary
Flexible work schedules are linked to a higher prevalence of sleep disorders, including insomnia, among Korean workers. This correlation suggests potential impacts on circadian rhythm and work demands, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Sociology
Background:
- Growing adoption of flexible work policies due to social distancing and work-life balance interests.
- Limited research on the relationship between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders, especially in the Korean workforce.
- Previous studies focused on sleep disorders related to specific work types like shift work.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders in Korean paid workers.
- To determine if flexible work arrangements correlate with increased insomnia symptoms.
- To identify demographic and job-related factors associated with flexible work and sleep disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (31,243 paid workers).
- Definition of flexible workers: those who set their own working hours.
- Assessment of sleep disorders using the Minimal Insomnia Symptoms Scale (MISS) and categorization of symptoms (difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, waking exhausted).
- Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Significant demographic and job-related differences between flexible and non-flexible workers (age, income, education, job type).
- Flexible workers reported sleep-related symptoms more frequently.
- Increased odds of insomnia for flexible workers (OR=1.40); a higher odds ratio was observed for males (OR=1.68).
Conclusions:
- A correlation exists between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders among Korean salaried workers.
- Potential contributing factors include altered circadian rhythms, increased work demands, and extended working hours.
- Further research is needed to establish precise causality and identify associated diseases.
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