Work-hour volatility linked to declining health in new study

A new American study published in ‘SSM: Population Health’ has identified a link between high work-hour volatility and declining health outcomes. Using data from the Current Population Survey, researchers tracked over 55,000 adults aged 18 to 64 between 2016 and 2024.

Work-hour volatility refers to the degree to which an individual's weekly working hours fluctuate from month to month. The research indicates that significant instability in these hours is associated with an increased likelihood of reported health deterioration in the following year. Notably, the study found that the impact of these fluctuations differs between genders, with the correlation between volatile schedules and worsening general health being more pronounced in men.