Do Unpredictable and Unstable Work Hours Reduce Subjective Wellbeing?

We empirically explore how key dimensions of work hours and schedules (i.e., volatility, short advance notice, and irregular shift times) affect workers’ self-reported subjective wellbeing (SWB). Our analysis controls for the number of weekly hours, occupation, demographics, family income, and health. We use data from the 2016 U.S. General Social Survey, containing the Work Orientations IV module of the International Social Survey Program. The findings indicate that greater instability in work hours and unpredictability of work schedules are associated with lower levels of SWB. The effect size is as large as, and up to twice that of family income. These results suggest that public policies and organizational practices intended to improve aggregate or employee well-being should consider promoting work hours and scheduling practices that foster greater stability and predictability of daily work hours, schedules, and shifts.