| Abstract: | This field study examined the reactions of non-exempt employees (N=671) to utilizing a "compressed word schedule" (i.e., 12-hour shifts) for staffing a continuous process plant which operated 24-hours per day/seven days per week. The 12-hour shifts were fixed with shifts changing at noon and at midnight. Based upon previous research, it was hypothesized that employees who had actually worked the 12-hour schedule would be more positive towards it than would employees who had never worked it. This was found to be the case. For example, those who had worked the 12-hour schedule saw the compressed schedule as being less fatiguing, saving on commuting cost and time, providing a more regular sleep pattern, and providing more usable time off. A second hypothesis concerned only those working the 12-hour shift. It was hypothesized that those employees working the 12 PM to 12 AM shift would be "less out of phase" with physiological and social rhythms and, thus, react more positively to the 12-hour shift than employees working the 12 AM to 12 PM shift. This hypothesis was strongly supported. |
