Trends and determinants of adverse working conditions among employed women in Australia: a 20-year analysis

Relatively little is known about changes in women's working conditions despite increases in labour force participation in recent decades. This study examines trends in adverse working conditions among Australian women in paid employment and identifies the factors associated with adverse working conditions.

Longitudinal population-based data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, following a cohort of women aged 18-23 years at baseline (1996) through to ages 40-45 years (2018). Mixed-effect regression examined the factors associated with long working hours and shift work.

The proportion of women working long hours increased from 23.7% in 1996 to 36.1% in 2018. By 2018, women had 1.77 times higher odds of working long hours compared to 1996 (95% CI: 1.58-1.97). Factors associated with long working hours included a degree/higher degree [AOR 1.91, 95%CI, 1.76-2.07]and being non-partnered [AOR 1.45, 95%CI, 1.37-1.53]. The proportion of women engaged in shift work declined from 24.9% in 1996 to 10.1% in 2018. By 2018, the adjusted odds of working shifts were significantly lower than in 1996 [AOR: 0.20 (95% CI: 0.16-0.24)]. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of shift work included blue-collar occupation [AOR 1.41, 95%CI, 1.06-1.33], and holding a degree/higher degree [AOR 1.27, 95%CI, 1.10-1.45].

Between 1996 and 2018, working conditions for a cohort of Australian women of reproductive age changed significantly. There was a notable decline in shift and night work, alongside a significant increase in long working hours. The results likely reflect a combination of modified working conditions, women's career transitions and changes in personal/caring responsibilities. The potential health implications of long working hours require careful monitoring.