What is the relationship between long working hours, over-employment, under-employment and the subjective well-being of workers? Longitudinal evidence from the UK. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Angrave, David; Charlwood, Andy
• Is Part Of: Human relations. Volume 68:Number 9(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1491
• Page End: 1515
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: job/employee attitudes -- job satisfaction -- life satisfaction -- long hours -- over-employment -- over-work -- subjective well-being -- under-employment -- working-time; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1177/0018726714559752
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0018-7267

Abstract

Are long working hours, over-employment and under-employment associated with a reduction in subjective well-being? If they are, is the association long or short-lasting? This article answers these questions through within-person analysis of a nationally representative longitudinal survey from the United Kingdom. The results suggest that long working hours do not directly affect subjective well-being, but in line with theories of person–environment fit, both over-employment and under-employment are associated with lower subjective well-being. However, over-employment is more likely for those who work the longest hours. The duration of the subjective well-being penalty associated with over-employment and under-employment is typically short, but subjective well-being levels tend to remain depressed for those who remain over-employed for two years or more. Results imply that state and organizational policies that reduce the incidence of long hours working are likely to enhance aggregate well-being levels.