There's a real camaraderie because everybody has to work together at night. Because of its long experience with shift work, the health-care industry has developed recruiting expertise in this area. That's why Swedish may offer incentives for employees to work night shifts. Premiums may be paid for working nights when there are shortages in various specialties. Historically, health care, law enforcement, fire protection and custodial work are among the biggest sectors using night-shift workers.
Rough forecasts indicate a rising demand for night-shift work.
As the economy moves toward more service-based businesses, employers need workers for early mornings, nights and weekends. More single people than married workers tend to work night shifts, but couples with children often choose night work because it can reduce the need for child care. The night shift does have its obstacles, though. Spouses who work odd hours, including nights and weekends, are more likely to separate or divorce because of marital stress, according to a University of Maryland study published recently in the Journal of Marriage and Family. Couples with children, particularly when the wife works evenings - are among the most at risk.