Examining the Structural Effect of Working Time on Well-Being: Evidence from Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Does working time affect workers’ quality of life? We studied this question in the context of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi drawing on the results of its Quality of Life Survey conducted in 2019/2020. The empirical analysis examined the effect of working hours on various elements of the quality of life framework including health, job and income, life satisfaction and happiness, social connections, and mental feelings. Preliminary analysis along with path analysis justified the significance of eight variables: work-life balance, frequency of meeting with friends, happiness, stress, time spent with family, self-assessment of health, satisfaction with income, and difficulty in fulfilling family responsibilities. Path analysis showed direct effect of working hours on four variables: work-life balance, happiness, frequency of meeting with friends, and stress. In addition, the model became significantly less efficient when including variables such as job satisfaction, job security, time spent in sport, sleeping, and leisure. The implications were discussed in the light of international literature and in the context of Abu Dhabi.