Nearly one in five Canadians work weekends and most are women
More women than men are working weekends and that can negatively affect their family and personal lives, new research from the DeGroote School of Business at Hamilton's McMaster University shows.
The study, in the book Decent Working Time: New Trends, New Issues, found nearly 20 per cent of Canadians work weekends, mostly in the service sector and in part-time, temporary or seasonal jobs. Because more women work in part-time and temporary jobs, most weekend workers are female.
Between 1991 and 1999, the percentage of people working weekends increased from 11 per cent to 18.5 per cent.
"Weekend workers are employed at a time when most others, including their family and friends are resting or socializing. It is an unsocial schedule that is disruptive to people's leisure and family time," said Isik Zeytinoglu, professor of human resources at DeGroote.
Businesses tend to stay open on weekends to increase profits, use capital efficiently by not keeping it idle and provide extended hours of service for consumers.
However, for the people who are doing the work or providing the service, the cost of this convenience can be increased stress, physical and mental health problems and ultimately decreased productivity at work.
"An active social life outside of the workplace and a healthy work environment, as well as meaningful employment and economic stability, are important components of overall health and well being," said Zeytinoglu.
The study, in the book Decent Working Time: New Trends, New Issues, found nearly 20 per cent of Canadians work weekends, mostly in the service sector and in part-time, temporary or seasonal jobs. Because more women work in part-time and temporary jobs, most weekend workers are female.
Between 1991 and 1999, the percentage of people working weekends increased from 11 per cent to 18.5 per cent.
"Weekend workers are employed at a time when most others, including their family and friends are resting or socializing. It is an unsocial schedule that is disruptive to people's leisure and family time," said Isik Zeytinoglu, professor of human resources at DeGroote.
Businesses tend to stay open on weekends to increase profits, use capital efficiently by not keeping it idle and provide extended hours of service for consumers.
However, for the people who are doing the work or providing the service, the cost of this convenience can be increased stress, physical and mental health problems and ultimately decreased productivity at work.
"An active social life outside of the workplace and a healthy work environment, as well as meaningful employment and economic stability, are important components of overall health and well being," said Zeytinoglu.
