The importance of shift work: The hospitality sector

Abstract

This study explores the importance of shift work in the organizational context of the hospitality sector. To answer the three research objectives (1) to characterize individual motivations for working shift work; (2) to identify the degree of satisfaction with the shift work regime and; (3) to understand the impact of shift work on the worker's physical, mental, social well-being and family environment, a survey was developed and published online to sample of 154 shift workers in the hospitality sector. The results indicate that the main motivation to work in shifts is related to the requirement of the function they perform. The degree of satisfaction of workers in shift work tends to decrease when they evaluate satisfaction with the balance between work life and the other dimensions - personal, family and social life. Most respondents say that if they could choose, they would not choose to work in shifts, considering the negative effects on their physical and mental well-being and family and social well-being. From the results obtained, we contribute to the literature on shift work by showing the need for greater organizational support, be it at the level of physical conditions of work or at the level of benefits promoting social well-being of this category of workers.