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The Shift Premium: Evidence From a Discrete Choice Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Sam Desiere
  • Christian Walter

Abstract

Shift work is a widespread but understudied phenomenon. This study examines one specific aspect of shift work: the shift premium. To this end, we included a discrete choice experiment in an online survey targeted at night and shift workers. Respondents chose between a standard 9 am – 5 pm job paying €15 per hour and a job with shift work in which the wage randomly varied between €12 and €20. The results show that respondents demand significant premiums for shift work, especially for night and rotating shifts. We observe substantial heterogeneity in the shift premium across respondents and provide suggestive evidence of labour market sorting.

Suggested Citation

  • Sam Desiere & Christian Walter, 2025. "The Shift Premium: Evidence From a Discrete Choice Experiment," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 63(3), pages 508-524, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:63:y:2025:i:3:p:508-524
    DOI: 10.1111/bjir.12874
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Van Landeghem, Bert & Dohmen, Thomas & Hole, Arne Risa & Künn-Nelen, Annemarie, 2024. "The value of commuting time, flexibility, and job security: Evidence from current and recent jobseekers in Flanders," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J48 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Particular Labor Markets; Public Policy

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