It’s long been known that shift workers face a greater number of physical health challenges than those who work regular 9-5 jobs with consistent sleep patterns. Night-shift workers face the biggest problems of all, with higher incidences of diseases such as cancer. But shift workers can also find their mental health challenged. Here is what you should know:
1. Shift workers have poorer mental health
Shift workers exhibit higher levels of depression and anxiety, and some studies have found that the risk of these symptoms is 33% higher than in non-shift workers. These are typically accompanied by higher risks of physical issues, such as metabolic, gastrointestinal, reproductive and cardiovascular health complications. Shift work has a significant impact on sleep which leads to a range of health problems.
2. Unpredictable schedules challenge the work/life balance
Without a predictable routine, shift workers cannot organise their lives easily and this can lead to difficulties in the family unit and concessions between work life and personal or home life. The lack of predictability also makes it harder for shift workers to plan ahead and feel in control. Many shift workers end up feeling burned out
3. Shift workers are on the front line of challenging situations
Research also shows that front-line workers often bear the brunt of difficult, aggressive and even violent altercations with the general public.
4. Shift workers leave their roles faster
Shift workers tend not to stay in their jobs, which means that teams cannot form well and workers who remain suffer from poorer mental health.
5. Supporting shift workers
When shift workers have training and support, and work in organisations with good structures, training and support, they can enjoy their work. Mental health training courses Blackpool from a training provider like https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool can help employers to create better shift-work environments.
The key to successful shift work is to begin with the role design itself, the organisation and its support, and the structures and training that can be put into place. Well-designed shift work will benefit workers and organisations alike, making the investment a worthy one.
