9990 · 4.4.2
Temporal conditions of work environments flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9990 Temporal conditions of work environments (syllabus 4.4.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Circadian rhythm?
Roughly 24-hour biological cycle regulating sleep, alertness, and body temperature — peak alertness often late morning for diurnal humans.
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Shift work health risks?
Sleep disruption, fatigue, higher accident rates, cardiovascular and digestive problems from desynchronised body clock.
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Rotating vs permanent night shifts?
Both harm health; rapid rotation prevents adaptation; forward rotation (morning→evening→night) often preferred.
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Flexitime benefits?
Higher autonomy, better work-life balance, reduced lateness — can improve job satisfaction (Herzberg motivator: responsibility).
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Remote work temporal advantage?
Eliminates commute time, allows scheduling around peak productivity — but blurs work-home boundaries.
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Chronotype?
Individual difference in morningness-eveningness — 'larks' vs 'owls' perform best at different times.
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What is a 'zeitgeber' in the context of circadian rhythms?
An external or environmental cue, such as light, temperature, and social activities, that entrains or synchronises an organism's biological rhythms to the Earth's 24-hour light/dark cycle.
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Describe a 'forward-rotating' shift pattern.
A shift schedule that moves from an earlier time in the day to a later time. For example, a sequence of day shifts, followed by evening shifts, and then night shifts. This is generally less disruptive than backward rotation.
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What is the key difference between flextime and a compressed work week?
Flextime allows flexibility in daily start/finish times around a core period. A compressed work week involves working the total weekly hours in fewer, but longer, days (e.g., 4 x 10-hour days instead of 5 x 8-hour days).
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Name two negative health consequences associated with long-term shift work.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease (e.g., hypertension) and gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers). Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are also common.
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What is the role of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)?
Located in the hypothalamus, the SCN is the body's master biological clock. It receives information about light from the eyes and controls the timing of circadian rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle and hormone release.