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The Effects Of Shift Work In The Workplace,coping Strategies And Well Being ...


The effects of shift work in the workplace,coping strategies and well being of staff an examination of issues facing one business in the aviation industry.

Introduction
Working outside normal hours either by extended days or shift work is a fact of industrial society (Harrington, 1995).Circadian rhythms are natural, biological ‘clocks' which are regulated by light and dark cycles, and which in turn regulate physiological and biological processes within the body and brain. While in some areas, the economic advantages of 24 hour shift work must be weighed against detrimental effects on the individual worker in the form of circadian rhythm disturbance, poorer quality and quantity of sleep and increased fatigue (Harrington, 1995), there are some areas of industry where 24 hour shift patterns are a prerequisite of the industry, and cannot be avoided. One such industry is the airline industry, where flights not only take place at any time but may also cross time zones and so interfere significantly with circadian rhythms as well as daily lives of workers. Shift work is of considerable concern in terms of safety (Folkard and Tucker, 2003), particularly in the aviation industry, where levels of alertness and efficacy in role performance may affect the safety of all passengers and crew on board a flight.
This essay will explore the potential effects of shift working on one company Aer Arann, a small airline based in the Irish Republic. The background of this company will be taken into consideration, the potential effects of shift patterns on work, and potential ways of scheduling shifts to overcome some of the challenges of providing a customer-focused service will be considered. A review of the literature examining the basis for concerns around the health and wellbeing of workers will provide the basis of a discussion of the importance and complexities of initiating management processes which may serve to ameliorate the effects of shift working whilst maximising financial and workforce efficiency.
Background
Aer Arann
Aer Arann operated its first commercial flight in 1970, out of Inishmore in the Irish republic (Aer Arann, 2007). For over 36 years, Aer Arann Islands have served Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Óirr year round; ferrying Islanders and visitors to and from the mainland (Aer Arann, 2007).
In addition to their regular services, Aer Arann Islands also provide charter flights for freight, passengers, scenic flights and other purposes (Aer Arann, 2007).
In the early 80s the company branched out from an island service to offering flight services within Ireland, beginning with the Galway to Dublin route, followed soon after by the company building their own airport and terminal facilities in Connemara, Co Galway (Aer Arann, 2007). In 1994 ownership of the company changed hands andthe untapped potential of offering a complete air link service between major cities throughout the island of Ireland was realised (Aer Arann, 2007).


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