8245798 Trends and determinants of adverse working conditions among employed women in Australia

<h3>Objective</h3> This study examines trends in adverse working conditions among Australian women in paid employment and identifies the factors associated with adverse working conditions. <h3>Methods</h3> Longitudinal population-based data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, following a cohort of women aged 18-23 years at baseline (1996) through to ages 40-45 years (2018). Mixed-effect regression examined the factors associated with long working hours and shift work. <h3>Results</h3> The proportion of women working long hours increased from 23.7% in 1996 to 36.1% in 2018. By 2018, women had 1.77 times higher odds of working long hours compared to 1996 (95% CI: 1.58-1.97). Factors associated with long working hours included a degree/higher degree [AOR 1.91, 95%CI, 1.76-2.07] and being non-partnered [AOR 1.45, 95%CI, 1.37-1.53]. The proportion of women engaged in shift work declined from 24.9% in 1996 to 10.1% in 2018. By 2018, the adjusted odds of working shifts were significantly lower than in 1996 [AOR: 0.20 (95% CI: 0.16-0.24)]. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of shift work included blue-collar occupation [AOR 1.41, 95%CI, 1.06-1.33], and holding a degree/higher degree [AOR 1.27, 95%CI, 1.10-1.45]. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Between 1996 and 2018, working conditions for a cohort of Australian women of reproductive age changed significantly. There was a notable decline in shift and night work, alongside a significant increase in long working hours. The results likely reflect a combination of modified working conditions, women’s career transitions and changes in personal/caring responsibilities. The potential health implications of long working hours require careful monitoring.