A study on the association between nonstandard and standard work schedules and social well-being

Abstract

This study examined the association between nonstandard work and social well-being as well as the moderating influence schedule control, and the presence of a partner and number of children in a household might have on this association. Four hypotheses were formed based on Anthony Giddens’ (1984) theory of structuration and resource drain theory. The results showed that nonstandard work and the moderating factors were not associated with the social well-being of employees. The main association of schedule control however was found to be significant and negative. This finding is in line with the theory of structuration, according to which deviating from the general social schedule based on the nine-to-five employees will have a negative effect on the social well-being of employees. Lastly, labour unions as well as employers are adviced in general, not to give employees more schedule control, although exceptions might be made for nonstandard employees.