Den rätta balansen
En kvantitativ studie om sambandet mellan faktisk, önskad arbetstid och hälsa
The purpose of this study is to examine whether there is any connection between working hours, desired working hours and the worker ?s health. The study also aims to investigate if there are any differences over time. Earlier studies have shown that individuals need a balance in their life between worked hours and free time. This balance seems to be important for employees if they want to lead and remain a healthy lifestyle. If the employed doesn?t feel satisfied with his or her working hours then the balance can get disrupted which could lead to a number of health problems. There are a lot of studies that aim to explain the relationship between working hours and health. There is a missing area which examines the relation between desired working hours and the worker`s health. Therefore, this topic is interesting to study more closely. The study is conducted using data from the Swedish survey of living condition panel (ULF). The panels consist of people between 16 to 84 years old. The study started in 1975. Since 1979 the study has been conducted at 8 yearly intervals. The data is administrated by Statistic Sweden (SCB). Three hypotheses have derived from previous research 1; employees who are satisfied with their work hours are least fatigued 2; the relation between working hours and desired working hours has bigger effects on women than men. 3; women who are satisfied with their working hours are less fatigued over time. The results showed that people who are working fulltime or part time with a desire to work less are feeling most fatigued. People who are satisfied with their working hours are least fatigued. The relation between working hours and desired working hours has bigger effects on women then men. Women who are working part time are feeling less fatigued over time.