Work scheduling and arrangements
Although standard work arrangements—full-time, 9-to-5 jobs—continue to account for a large proportion of the labour market, non-standard work arrangements and relationships continue to be on the rise. This page pulls together IWH research on the implications of shift work, temporary, gig work and other non-standard work terms on the risks of work injuries and illnesses and work disability outcomes.
Issue Briefing
Shift work and health
Shift work — employment with anything other than a regular daytime work schedule — makes up a large part of work in the Canadian economy. For at least 50 years, researchers have been exploring the question of whether working shifts poses a health hazard. This briefing summarizes the findings of a selection of this research, including several review articles.
Published: April 2010
At Work article
At Work article
Shift work and health: What is the research telling us?
The Institute for Work & Health has scanned the research and called on experts to get the latest word on what we know – and don’t know – about the effects of shift work on employee health. There are certainly areas for concern, so more research on ways to protect shift workers is the logical next st
Published: April 2010
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Temp workers have similar work-related sick days as permanent workers
Temporary work does not appear to increase the rate of work-related injury or illness absences lasting a week or longer. What's more, those with multiple temporary jobs had fewer absence spells.
Published: January 2008
At Work article
At Work article
Flexible work in the high-tech sector: does it really meet workers’ needs?
While flexible work arrangements are often seen in a positive light, there is a flipside. In this qualitative study in the high- tech sector, workers were always expected to be available to meet deadlines, and work came first over family.
Published: February 2007