Saf Health Work.
2024 Mar;15(1):53-58. 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.12.005.
Association Between Flexible Work Arrangement and Sleep Problems Among Paid Workers: Using 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- 2Department of Medicine, Graduate School of Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- 3Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- 4Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- 5Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 06973, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KMID: 2554300
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2023.12.005
Abstract
- Background
As social distancing persists and interest in work-life balance grows, more companies are adopting flexible work policies. While there have been studies on sleep disorders associated with different types of work, such as shift work, research exploring the relationship between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders is still limited, particularly among Korean workers.
Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey, focusing on 31,243 paid workers out of a total of 50,538 participants. We defined flexible workers as those who set their own working hours. Sleep disorders were divided into three categories: ‘difficulty falling asleep,’ ‘frequent waking during sleep,’ and ‘waking up feeling exhausted and fatigued.’ Using scores derived from three specific symptoms, the Minimal Insomnia Symptoms Scale (MISS) was calculated to assess the prevalence of insomnia. We used chi-square tests to analyze demographic and job-related differences. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify any relationship between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders.
Results
Significant differences were found between flexible and non-flexible workers regarding age, income level, education level, and job type. Flexible workers reported sleep-related symptoms significantly more often. The odds ratio for insomnia was 1.40 (95% CI 1.21–1.61). For males, the odds ratio was 1.68 (1.36–2.08).
Conclusion
This study establishes a correlation between flexible work schedules and sleep disorders among Korean salaried workers. Potential causes could include changes in circadian rhythm, increased work demands, and extended working hours. To precisely determine causality and associated diseases, further research is required.
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