Comparison of Effects of Change from 8 to 12 Hour Shifts on Air Force AircraftMaintenance Workers

摘要

This study examined the effects of converting from an 8 hour shift system to a 12hour system on aircraft maintenance personnel. The squadron had converted its 24 hour operations from an 8 hour shift schedule to a 12 hour shift schedule in stages, changing one group first and then another. A smaller third group of workers remained on 8 hour shifts. Individual differences in job related outcomes and situational constraints were measured for all three groups. Results showed that changing from 8 to 12 hour shifts affected worker well being and morale, as indicated by an increase in hospital visits after the switch to 12 hour shifts and the difference in levels of morale between 12 hour shift personnel and those remaining on 8 hour shifts.