Effective Shift Planning Reduces Sick Leave in Healthcare and Other Sectors

Recent research indicates that strategic planning of work shifts can significantly lower sickness absence among shift workers. Jarno Turunen, a senior specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, examined how characteristics of shift schedules influence employee health and absenteeism in his doctoral dissertation at the University of Jyväskylä. The study emphasizes that involving employees in designing their work hours and considering health impacts can lead to healthier, more sustainable shift work practices.

The research, which utilized comprehensive work hour data from hospital districts over several years, highlights the importance of participatory scheduling. Increasing workers' influence over their shifts was associated with a 7% reduction in short-term sickness absence. Meanwhile, legislative changes enacted in 2020, which mandated at least 11 hours of rest between shifts, contributed to a 13% decrease in sickness absence in affected units.

Shift work is essential in many critical sectors, such as healthcare, yet it often presents health challenges. Modern scheduling tools can now factor in health considerations alongside operational needs, helping to improve worker wellbeing. Addressing shift-related health issues is also vital for managing healthcare costs and tackling potential labor shortages.

This research advocates for more flexible and health-conscious shift scheduling methods, demonstrating that improved planning benefits both employees and organizations. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare managers, and software developers aiming to optimize shift work environments.

Find out more about this study on the impact of shift scheduling on health and absenteeism at Jyväskylä University's research portal. Source: Medical Xpress