P114 How should we classify on-call workers? A proposed taxonomy for modern working arrangements. (9th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sprajcer, M; Appleton, S; Adams, R; Gill, T; Ferguson, S; Vincent, G; Paterson, J; Reynolds, A
• Is Part Of: Sleep advances. Volume 3(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A66
• Page End: A67
• Publication Date: 2022-11-09
• Subjects: Sleep disorders -- Periodicals; Circadian rhythms -- Periodicals; 616.8498
• DOI: 10.1093/sleepadvances/zpac029.183
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2632-5012

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Research and guidance materials addressing on-call work typically focus on a narrow set of industries (e.g., emergency services, healthcare). However, modern working arrangements are changing. The casualisation of many industries, combined with the rise in online and app-based working arrangements, means that many workers who can be called to work are not included in current on-call literature. We therefore present a proposed taxonomy for classifying a broader range of on-call workers, based on the work and sociodemographic characteristics of on-call workers in Australia. Methods: Work arrangements and sociodemographic factors of 1057 Australian adults were assessed in a survey. Questions addressed on-call work undertaken in the previous three months, occupation, work hours, and any non-standard working conditions. Results: At least one workday characterised as 'on-call' was reported by 45.5% of respondents, with a higher prevalence in younger individuals (63.1% of respondents aged 18–24 years reported working on-call). On-call work was reported in a range of industries, including management, community and personal service workers, sales workers, machinery operators, and drivers. Discussion: Findings suggest that previous reports of on-call work prevalence (typically based on traditional on-call industries such as emergency services) likely underestimate the proportion of individuals who consider themselves on-call workers. As a result, on-call work requires a novel classification system that is able to capture non-traditional on-call work and can differentiate between types of on-call working arrangements. A taxonomy including traditional on-call work, gig economy work, relief, or unscheduled work, and out of hours work is presented.