The Effectiveness of Shift Work for Young Nurses: A Focus on Its Mediating Effect between Work Environment and Job Performance in South Korea

Abstract

Abstract (Purpose) Three-shift work has long been cast in a negative light by much of the extant literature, which verifies associated physical and mental disorders. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, employees in such industries, where three-shift work has been mandatorily adopted, have changed their perceptions about three-shift work, recognizing it as a new form of work. This perception changes about three-shift work may be especially enhanced for young nurses. Therefore, we strive to prove the effectiveness of three-shift work and its impact on the relationship between work environment and job performance. (Design/methodology/approach) This study conducts a series of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models using survey data for nurses from a large hospital in South Korea. (Findings)We find that work environment has a positive influence on nurses’ job performance. However, we cannot discern any consistent findings that work environment positively affects job performance for young nurses in three shifts. (Research implications or Originality)Three-shift works more negatively affect the relationship between work environment and job satisfaction. For young generations, working in three shifts is still not perceived as a new path to job satisfaction. Thus, other rewards should be considered to motivate employees in three shits work.