Contrary to previous research, shift workers take less paid sickness absence than day workers, according to a Canadian analysis of 20,000 employees across 14 different occupational groups.
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There were no differences in the length of absence between shift and day workers, or in the absence taken by men and women – whether working days or shifts. However, the study did find evidence that job tenure, the presence of a union in the workplace and working rotating shifts is associated with sickness absence in shift workers.
Catano VM, Bissonnette AB (2014). “Examining paid sickness absence by shift workers”. Occupational Medicine, first published online 21 February.
