Work-Life Balance and Health Outcomes of Women Working in Night Shifts in IT Companies in Chennai city
Abstract
This study investigates the work-life balance, health outcomes, and perceived stress levels among women employed in night shifts in IT companies in Chennai city. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 683 women through a structured questionnaire incorporating standardized measures, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The findings reveal that a significant proportion of women experience moderate to high levels of work-life imbalance, with married women reporting significantly greater imbalance than their single counterparts. Health issues such as sleep disturbances (54.9%), anxiety (45.7%), and gastrointestinal problems (39.2%) were prevalent, indicating notable physical and psychological impacts of night-shift work. The mean perceived stress score was 21.80, signifying moderate to high stress levels across the sample. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive associations between work-life imbalance, stress levels, and health complaints, suggesting that heightened stress and prolonged exposure to night shifts exacerbate health risks. Regression analyses further confirmed that years of night-shift experience and perceived stress are significant predictors of both work-life balance and health outcomes. These results underscore the pressing need for organizational interventions, such as flexible scheduling, wellness programs, and stress management strategies, to mitigate the adverse effects of night-shift work on women’s health and overall well-being. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence on gender-specific occupational health risks and highlights critical areas for policy attention within India’s rapidly expanding IT sector.
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