American International Journal of Social Science

Long Work Hour and Intention to Have Children, a Case Study in Hong Kong Long Working Hour Sector Workers
Fanny Y. F. Young

Abstract
This study investigated the work hours, work-life balance and intention to have children of workers in a place without Standard Working Hour legislation and with very low birth rate, Hong Kong. Method used a questionnaire survey with 200 below 40, married, full time long working hour sector workers. Results showed these participants had long work hour (52 hours/week). Most reported prolonged fatigue level, sleepiness and extreme tiredness. Most considered long work hour was the highest factor affecting intention to have children. Correlation analysis showed there exist an inverse relationship between long work hour and intention to have children (r=-0.78) and a direct relationship between long work hour and level of concern (r=0.78). To conclude, workers in Hong Kong, without Standard Working Hour legislation, had long work hours, poor work-life balance, low intention to have children and high level of concern.

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