Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/334722 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of Family Research - JFR [ISSN:] 2699-2337 [Volume:] 38 [Publisher:] University of Bamberg Press [Place:] Bamberg [Year:] 2026 [Pages:] 1-22
Publisher: 
University of Bamberg Press, Bamberg
Abstract: 
Objective: This study examines whether nonstandard work schedules (NSWS) improve or hinder work-life balance (WLB) for parents and non-parents in dual-earner households. Background: Previous research shows that NSWS can negatively affect workers' well-being. However, less is known about whether and to what extent these effects differ between parents and childless individuals. Method: Using data from the first wave of the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA), linear regression models are applied to assess whether the effect of NSWS on WLB is influenced by family circumstances. Results: Parenthood is generally associated with lower WLB. However, the negative association between NSWS and WLB is more pronounced among childless workers. Notably, mothers of young children (ages 0-5), as well as fathers of school-aged children (ages 6-12) working NSWS report higher WLB than their childless counterparts. Conclusion: Parents with NSWS in dual-earner households do not necessarily experience lower WLB than childless workers. In some cases, NSWS may even help parents better reconcile work and family responsibilities.
Subjects: 
nonstandard work schedules
work–life balance
parenthood
Germany
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.