University of Twente Student Theses

A study into schedule characteristics of shiftworking across more than two time zones that negatively impact the health and work-life balance of cabin and cockpit crew members under contract of one of the world’s largest airline

Tegelmann, Julia (2018) A study into schedule characteristics of shiftworking across more than two time zones that negatively impact the health and work-life balance of cabin and cockpit crew members under contract of one of the world’s largest airline.

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Abstract:	The unusual psychological and physiological demands cabin and cockpit crew members have to face are well-understood. The aviation industry became increasingly competitive resulting in a more aggressive profit making strategy and increased job demands at the detriment of cabin and cockpit crew members. Studies among flight crew members have already provided evidence for health problems and the difficulty to manage multiple demands simultaneously. The accuracy and generalizability of those findings to today’s world of aviation is questionable since studies are rather out-dated, and not reflecting modern aviation working conditions. The objective of this research was to examine the effects of shift working across more than two time zones on health and work-life balance (WLB). The sample consists of cockpit and cabin crew members under contract of one of the world’s largest airline company. Interviews were held with four cockpit crew members and 3 cabin crew members, followed up by a web survey which has been assessed by a total amount of 104 cabin and cockpit crew members. Analyses were conducted, utilizing frequencies, cross tabulations, linear and multiple regression as well as analyses of variances (ANOVA). The results found some evidence for the existence of long-, and short-term physical and mental health problems among cockpit and cabin crew members of one of the world’s largest airline company when flying across more than two time zones. The study found significant differences in gender means with respect to the experience of physical and mental health issues and the perceptions of having control about own scheduling. Especially concentration problems were shown to be significant lesser among men. Mental health issues were also found to negatively affect private life. Men were shown to perceive greater control on own scheduling compared to women. Age was shown to be a significant predictor for physical health problems, sleep difficulties and contract type. A combination of gender and age was found to result in an even stronger predictor.
Item Type:	Essay (Master)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	85 business administration, organizational science
Programme:	Business Administration MSc (60644)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/76721
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