Measurement Matters: Prevalence and Consequence of Parental Nonstandard Work Schedules

Minseop Kim (), Nanxun Li, Min Hu and Nahri Jung
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Minseop Kim: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Nanxun Li: National University of Singapore
Min Hu: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
Nahri Jung: Independent Researcher

Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, 2025, vol. 178, issue 1, No 21, 523-538

Abstract: Abstract Studies have shown that working nonstandard schedules is prevalent in developed economies, which may have implications for individuals’ health and wellbeing. Existing research typically relies on survey data using two measurement approaches: requiring respondents to choose either a standard or nonstandard schedule, or allowing them to indicate whether they work both schedules. This study examined whether these measurement approaches affect the estimated prevalence and health consequences of nonstandard work schedules, using a sample of parents with preschoolers in Hong Kong. Results indicated that the prevalence of nonstandard work schedules was approximately 1.77 times higher when respondents could choose multiple schedules. The negative association between working nonstandard schedules and health outcomes was weaker when respondents were limited to choosing only one schedule, as this approach was unable to identify those working both standard and nonstandard schedules, who were most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of nonstandard work schedules. These findings suggest that asking respondents to select only one schedule may underestimate both the prevalence and the negative health consequences of nonstandard work schedules.

Keywords: Nonstandard work schedules; Nonstandard hours; Survey; Shift work; Measurement; Health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11205-025-03600-2

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