It’s about time – Associations between working time dimensions and well-being of physicians

Abstract

ABSTRACT Several working time characteristics have been linked to negative outcomes for health personnel. The aim was to investigate the impact of working time dimensions on well-being in a representative sample of physicians. Data was collected during a baseline study. Linear regression analysis was performed on a sample including 669 physicians of different medical specialties. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and information on working time dimensions (e.g. shift work). In addition, job satisfaction, workload and self-reported health were explored. The majority were female, working in internal medicine and the mean age was 42.5 years. Findings reveal that overtime hours (β = −0.478, p = .011) and autonomy (β = 0.444, p < .001) were significantly associated with job satisfaction. The number of free weekends (β = −2.622, p = .005) and autonomy significantly predicted personal (β = −6.153, p < .001), work-related (β = −6.597, p < .001) and patient-related workload (β = −4.731, p < .001). Overall health was only affected by working time autonomy (β = 3.804, p < .001). In conclusion, the study suggests that working time characteristics have negative consequences for well-being and need to be addressed to ensure health, performance and safety of physicians.