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Gaceta Sanitaria

Print version ISSN 0213-9111

Abstract

MATILLA-SANTANDER, Nuria et al. Attitudes toward working conditions: are European Union workers satisfied with their working hours and work-life balance?. Gac Sanit [online]. 2019, vol.33, n.2, pp.162-168.  Epub Oct 21, 2019. ISSN 0213-9111.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2017.10.006.

Objective

To describe the satisfaction with working hours and satisfaction with work-life balance and their association in the European Union (EU-28).

Method

This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the Flash Eurobarometer 398 among workers of the EU-28 from 2014 (n=13,683). We calculated percentages and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We also applied a multi-level generalised linear model using the Poisson family, to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of satisfaction with work-life balance based on working hours. All analyses were stratified by individual, employment and welfare regime country classification.

Results

The satisfaction with working hours and work-life balance was 80.62% and 74.48%, respectively, and was significantly higher among women. The highest percentages of satisfaction were found in the Nordic welfare regime countries (90.2% and 85.3%, respectively). There was a statistically significant association between satisfaction with working hours and work-life balance (aPR: 2.63; 95%CI: 2.28-3.04), and the magnitude of the association differed in individual, employment and welfare regime country classifications. The main reasons declared for dissatisfaction were “excessive working hours” (48.7%), “shift work” (27.9%), and “inability to influence the work schedule” (28.3%). Differences were observed according to sex and type of welfare regime.

Conclusion

The differences found in the association between satisfaction with work-life balance and working hours according to sociodemographic characteristics and welfare regime show that there are inequalities in the working conditions in the EU countries.

Keywords : Working conditions; Work satisfaction; Work-life balance; Working hours.

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