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NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours

Impacts on Employers

Impacts on Employers

Negative Impacts of Shift Work and Long Work Hours for Employers98-103

  • Reduced productivity: Thomas and Raynar100 reported efficiency decreased by 10% to 15% for 50- and 60-hour work weeks.
  • Increases in worker errors
  • Increased absenteeism
  • Increased turnover
  • Increases in healthcare costs, workers’ compensation costs, and early disability
  • Loss of nurses who leave their job because of demanding work hours101

Circadian, a shift work consulting firm, estimates that extended hoursa of operation cost the employer over $10,000 per employee per year in healthcare costs, excess turnover costs, as well as high costs related to absenteeism, lost productivity, and accidents.102

Similarly, Rosekind et al.103 estimated annual fatigue-related productivity losses for employers were almost $2000 per employee.

a24/7 operations and long work shifts.

Module: 3, Page 26 of 28