A study has found accommodations to shift work were made at the family unit level, not individually

By CRACKYL staff

We all know shift work can have negative consequences for family life. But have you ever thought about exactly how? Knowing how is the first step toward maintaining positive family relationships.

A study on the effect of shift work on family life published in the New Zealand Journal of Psychology found several categories of effects. Although most people in the study reported successful relationship status, the researcher found that effects of shift work on family life manifest in three ways: economically, emotionally, and as a challenge to family routine. 

Economically, sometimes couples have to negotiate if and how to prioritize the job with the shift work; whose career will take a back seat? Shift work is known to affect mood and emotion; how will family members conform? The everyday tasks of the household are also affected by shift work; what changes will be needed as the needs of household members change?

The study also found accommodations to shift work were made at the family unit level, not individually. This means families must work together to find solutions that address the needs of everyone involved. This might involve:

• Open communication: Regularly discussing the challenges and needs of each family member.
• Flexible scheduling and shared responsibilities: Finding ways to share household tasks and childcare duties equitably.   
• Prioritizing quality time: Making a conscious effort to schedule quality time together, even if it’s just for short periods.
• Seeking support: Utilizing support systems such as family, friends, or professional counseling if needed.

Do such issues resonate? How do you cope with combining shift life and family life? It’s certainly worth some thought.