Beyond working hours: the association between long working hours, the use of work-related communication devices outside regular working hours, and anxiety symptoms

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to identify and compare the associations between long working hours and use of work-related communication devices outside regular working hours and anxiety symptoms, thereby providing insight into redefining working hours.Methods: Based on the cross-sectional data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), specifically the responses from 46 055 workers, the use of work-related communication devices outside of regular working hours, long working hours, and anxiety symptoms were assessed. To investigate the associations between using work-related communication devices outside regular working hours or long working hours with anxiety symptoms, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated using multiple logistic regression models.Results: Among 46 055 participants, 25 659 (55.7%) used work-related communication devices outside working hours, 8145 (17.7%) worked long hours, and 2664 (5.8%) experienced anxiety symptoms. Compared with the reference group, those who used work-related communication devices outside regular working hours without working long hours, had higher OR of anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.18; 95% CI, 1.97-2.41) than those who worked long hours without using work-related communication devices during off-hours (OR: 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09-1.59). Furthermore, the group that both worked long hours and used work-related communication devices outside working hours exhibited the highest OR of anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.57; 95% CI, 2.24-2.97).Conclusions: Using work-related communication devices outside regular working hours is associated with a higher risk of anxiety symptoms compared with long working hours. This result suggests that using work-related devices outside regular working hours, in addition to regular work time, should be considered when redefining working hours. Key points What is already known on this topic-Long working hours and the use of work-related communication devices outside of regular working hours are both associated with negative effects on an employee's mental health, but there is a lack of research comparing them.What this study adds-Both the use of work-related communication devices outside regular working hours and extended working hours were associated with anxiety symptoms. Notably, the use of work-related communication devices outside regular working hours was associated with greater risk compared with long working hours.How this study might affect research, practice, or policy-This study suggests considering the use of work-related communication devices outside regular working hours when redefining working hours.