Permanent Night Work in Germany

Abstract

Research on night work focuses almost solely on night work as part of rotating shift schedules. Thus, little is known about permanent night workers, their working conditions and health. The aim of this study is to give insight on characteristics of permanent night workers, their health status and their work–life balance. Data from the BAuA-Working Time Survey 2015 were used and 189 employees in permanent night work identified. Results are presented in comparison to statistics on employees in general and to rotating shift workers with night shifts in particular. The most common occupations among permanent night workers are professional nurses and heavy truck and lorry drivers. Night workers less often rated their health as (very) good or were satisfied with their worklife balance compared to employees in gen-eral. They also reported health complaints more often. Findings in comparison to employees working in rotating shifts with night work were mixed. The results point towards some concerns regarding health and work–life balance related to perma-nent night work.