Do we want to keep working in 12-h shifts? The follow-up of the work schedule change in a Portuguese industrial company

Abstract

BackgroundIn Europe, atypical work schedules assume an increasing position, framed by the so-called “adaptability regime”. Despite being seen as a “temporary” option, this regime supports the extension of the working hours up to 12 h per shift. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyse how the workers from a Portuguese industrial company perceive the impacts of a 12-h schedule, after replacing the former 8-h shift schedule. MethodsThe sample included a total of 87 shiftworkers of an industrial company. A mixed method research was followed based on the ergonomic work analysis, using observations; a self-report instrument describing a week working on 2 × 12 h; and a questionnaire. ResultsField study findings are consistent in showing that, in 2 × 12 h, the workers perceive the risks as resized, both physical risk factors (e.g., noise) and factors related to the work organization (e.g., work pace). The results also reveal a perceived aggravation of the main health outcomes: “sleep debt”, feeling of chronic fatigue, and muscles pains. Despite this, most workers prefer the new 12-h schedule, but not until their retirement age. ConclusionAt present, it is noticed that the new schedule receives collective acceptance and is considered the least-worst option; the advantages outside work seem to compensate the higher costs imposed by this schedule. Relevance to industryOur findings highlight ergonomics' contribution to the sustainability of the work in 12-h shifts, establishing the conditions that enable a technical-scientific opinion supporting the company's decision on the exposure length of the workers to these work schedules.