Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers' health

Abstract

In summary, the content of the studies included in Special Series I indicates that South Korean society still engages in long working hours, with disparities in long working hours across different social strata. Additionally, some shift workers are exposed to excessively long working hours. Currently, high-priority policies include reducing the disparities in working hours, regulating night shift work, and ensuring wage protection to resolve overtime work issues. Flexible working hour policies could lead to irregular working hours for employees, which would have a negative impact on their health. Readers should explore the valuable research presented in AOEM’s Special Series I, and it is hoped that this series will contribute to rational adjustments in policy directions, with a focus on human health.