Abstract
BackgroundAs detailed associations between personality and long work hours are unclear, we assessed associations between personality dimensions and overtime work among Japanese white-collar workers.MethodsFrom records of hours worked over 12 months by 267 office workers in an organization within the service industry, average overtime work hours per month and occurrence of excessive overtime was determined for each worker. Excessive overtime was defined as > 45 overtime work hours per month for at least one month. Responses to a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic and workplace-related factors and the Big Five personality test were analyzed. Associations between personality factors and overtime work were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsLow Extraversion was associated with excessive overtime work (OR 2.02, 95%CI 1.02 – 4.02, P = 0.04).ConclusionsIt is suggested that workers with low Extraversion can’t share work when busy to avoid excessive overtime. Personality factors should be considered in studies evaluating work time. Moreover, strengthening communication among workers with low Extraversion may reduce excessive overtime work and associated health problems.
Highlights
As detailed associations between personality and long work hours are unclear, we assessed associations between personality dimensions and overtime work among Japanese white-collar workers
Workers were dichotomized into long overtime work group and short overtime work group 50% each according to the median (16 h) overtime work hours
This study showed that excessive overtime work was most associated with Extraversion among Big Five factors
Summary
As detailed associations between personality and long work hours are unclear, we assessed associations between personality dimensions and overtime work among Japanese white-collar workers. Number of work hours is important in occupational health [1,2,3]. Long work hours are associated with adverse health effects, including cardiovascular disease [4,5,6], high blood pressure [7], mortality [8], and workrelated injuries [9]. These adverse effects are mainly caused by sleep loss and severe fatigue due to extended work hours [10,11]. Excessive work hours should be discouraged or limited to prevent adverse health effects. The Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare releases data detailing industrial accidents [13] wherein we can see a relationship between
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