General
The effects of daylight saving time on the working world are very diverse and widespread. Who hasn't experienced - often enough in their own example - that the change of clocks can lead to arriving late (or even early) to work. However, this is still one of the rather harmless consequences, because although the person arrives at the workplace up to an hour late, they are usually also well-rested.
It is obvious that the fatigue caused by the time change can pose a real risk in the workplace. This starts on the way to work, as there is evidence that the change increases the risk of traffic accidents (see also here). But even at the workplace itself, the risk of accidents is increased - especially the switch to daylight saving time in the spring is associated with an increased rate of workplace injuries, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology. No wonder, since on average the employee had 40 minutes less sleep the night before.
The productivity in the workplace also apparently decreases as a result of the time change due to fatigue and lack of concentration. This can be seen, for example, in a significant increase in cyberloafing (the use of the Internet at work for private purposes, e.g. Facebook, etc.), as a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology has shown.
On the other hand, employees also benefit from daylight saving time. Due to the extended daylight, employees can enjoy an additional hour of leisure in the sunshine after work. Additionally, it is also brighter during working hours, and if one has a workspace with a window or even works outdoors, it is not only pleasant but also enhances concentration.
There are also many supporters of daylight saving time among business representatives - and not without reason. The extended daylight leisure time also leads to more money being spent on leisure activities - for example, shopping, but also at festivals, beer gardens, bars, and restaurants. The tourism industry in particular certainly benefits from daylight saving time. The Belfast Telegraph reported, for example, that Northern Ireland earns at least £6.34 million additional pounds from tourists each year due to the longer daylight.
Daylight Saving Time and Night Shift
Daylight saving time brings some problems for many people. Sleep and concentration disorders are common complaints. People who work night shifts are particularly affected because, just like us, the time changes for them and brings some problems and questions. Having an extra hour during the day or night is not so easy to get used to.
Whether night shift workers have to work one hour longer depends on whether it is regulated in their contract. The employer is naturally interested in avoiding the theoretical gap in the shift change and can therefore prescribe the extra hour. Whether it also has to be paid depends on the regulations as well. Many employment contracts, for example, provide that a certain number of overtime hours are covered by the gross salary - this regulation also applies to the additional hour when switching to standard time. If, on the other hand, there is a fixed weekly working time that would now be exceeded, the additional hour must also be paid as overtime. It can either be directly considered as overtime or, if applicable, offset with a working time account. In general, a working time of eight hours must not be exceeded if no compensation can be provided within a month.
The time change itself is particularly burdensome for experienced night shift workers, as their carefully trained rhythm is now thrown off beat. You can find out how to cope with the extended night shift and quickly find restful sleep in the morning in our tips against time change jet lag.