Effects of Shift Work on the Mental Health of Police Officers: Results from a Study Within the Police of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Abstract

Shift work is increasingly recognized for its adverse long-term health impacts, yet its association with psychological well-being remains ambiguously understood. This study hypothesizes that variations in work activities between shift and non-shift workers may influence psychological outcomes. Existing literature, primarily rooted in industrial contexts, often neglects police service-specific factors, which are essential given the unavoidable nature of night and rotating shifts within this profession. A cross-sectional survey was implemented at the Aachen police headquarters to investigate the relationship between work hours, job characteristics, and psychological well-being among police officers. Drawing from the job demand-control-support model, this research examined time overload, activity scope, and social climate, alongside daily task completion ability, work time autonomy, and emotional stress related to police-specific activities. Out of 1239 solicited participants, a 65% response rate was achieved. The results showed that officers on rotating shifts (with and without night shifts) reported better mental well-being compared to those on standard day shifts. Shift work was associated with reduced working time autonomy, lesser time overload, and an increased likelihood of completing work tasks daily. However, no significant relationship was found between shift work and other job characteristics when these were controlled for, suggesting no direct effect of shift work on psychological well-being. The findings suggest that job characteristics associated with different working time models uniquely influence psychological well-being in the police service. This underscores the importance of integrating job characteristics into shift work planning to enhance officers’ health. Identifying these influencing factors offers potential for significant improvements in work-design measures within the police service.