Split or straight? Some evidence on the effect of the work shift on Spanish workers' well-being and time use

The split work shift has been argued as one of the reasons behind the different Spanish time schedule, characterized by reduced sleep and a more difficult work-family balance. This paper presents direct evidence on the effect that being on a split shift has on Spanish workers’ wellbeing and time use. The split shift is found associated to more time spent working in the market, sleeping, and eating, and less time spent doing housework, caring for children, and at leisure. An increased feeling of being overwhelmed by tasks and having little time to do them is also found among female split-shifters.