Epidemiology and Health

Original Article

Associations of self-rated health, depression, and work ability with employee control over working time: Heejoo Ko, Seong-Sik Cho, Jaesung Choi, Mo-Yeol Kang; Epidemiol Health. 2025;47:e2025036. Published online July 8, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4178/epih.e2025036

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Work-time control (WTC), defined as employees’ ability to influence their work schedules, is a crucial determinant of work-life balance and well-being. This study aims to evaluate the associations between WTC and health-related outcomes among Korean workers and examine potential effect modifications by working hours and shift work status.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from the 2024 wave of the Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study, a nationwide panel study of workers aged 19 years to 70 years (n=5,195). WTC was measured using a 6-item scale, and participants were categorized into low (≤12) or high (>12) WTC groups. Outcomes included self-rated health (SRH), depression (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and work ability (WA; measured by the Work Ability Index). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor SRH, moderate-to-severe depression, and poor WA, adjusting for demographic and occupational variables. Subgroup analyses assessed effect modifications by working hours and shift work.

RESULTS

Higher WTC was associated with lower odds of poor SRH (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.86), moderate-to-severe depression (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.83), and poor WA (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.84). These associations were significant among daytime workers but not shift workers. The protective effects of WTC were attenuated among workers whose working hours exceeding 52 hr/wk.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher WTC is associated with better health and work outcomes, emphasizing its importance for employee well-being. However, its benefits may be limited among shift workers and employees working excessive hours.

Summary

Korean summary
- 근로시간 통제권(WTC)이 높은 근로자는 주관적 건강상태가 더 좋고, 우울 위험이 낮으며, 근로능력이 높은 것으로 나타났다. - 이러한 보호 효과는 주간 근로자에서만 유의하였으며, 근로시간이 주 52시간을 초과할 경우 효과가 약화되었다.

Key Message
- Higher work-time control (WTC) was associated with better self-rated health, lower risk of depression, and improved work ability among Korean workers. - The protective effects of WTC were significant for daytime workers but not for shift workers, and benefits diminished when weekly working hours exceeded 52.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of work-time control with burnout and turnover intention: a cross-sectional analysis of a general working population in Korea
Hye-Eun Lee, Seong-Sik Cho, Mo-Yeol Kang
Epidemiology and Health.2026; 48: e2026011. CrossRef

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