Healthy Shiftwork
Description
Shiftworkers can face serious health and wellbeing issues as a result of their non-standard work commitments. The Healthy Shiftwork project set out to develop tailored, engaging information for young shiftworkers (18-25 years) on sleep, nutrition, and physical activity – three pillars of health that are significantly impacted by shiftwork. While this information was developed for young adults, it will apply to many shiftworkers, regardless of their age. The Healthy Shiftwork team hope this information will empower shiftworkers to look after their health and wellbeing, despite their challenging schedules.
The Healthy Shiftwork project wouldn’t have been possible without the expertise of the shiftworkers, workplace health and safety experts, science communications specialists, and creatives, who contributed to developing the Healthy Shiftwork website, as well as the information and resources that it houses.
Impact
Shiftworkers face unique health challenges due to their non-standard work hours, impacting their sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. The Healthy Shiftwork project created Australia’s first online, evidence-based hub to provide shiftworkers with practical, tailored resources to support their health and wellbeing. By translating research into accessible tools, this initiative empowers shiftworkers to make informed choices and improve their quality of life despite their demanding schedules.
Partners
Associate Professor Grace Vincent - Project Lead
Grace Vincent is an Associate Professor at CQUniversity’s Appleton Institute. Her mission is to help Australia’s workers get better sleep by collaborating with researchers and industry to create healthier and safer workplaces. This mission is supported by a vibrant and cohesive research team she continues to grow, with shared values of scientific integrity, compassion, mentoring, and collaboration.
Her research program focuses on three key areas: improving sleep and health in workplace settings, understanding how physical activity and diet influence sleep, and developing behavioural interventions to promote better sleep health.
Since she was awarded her PhD from Deakin University in 2016, she has published over 100 publications and secured over $4 million in research funding - including an ARC-DECRA, 2xARC-DP's and an MRFF. She has received more than 25 research awards. Grace is a South Australian Tall Poppy, winner of the Rob Pierce Grant in Aid and Nick Antic Career Development Award, winner of the National 5-Minute Research Pitch Competition and has received the CQUniversity Vice Chancellor’s Award for both Outstanding Early Career and Mid-Career Research. She has supervised programs of research for 12 PhD students, 25 Honours students and 13 summer scholars.
SDG Goals
At CQUniversity we are committed to embedding sustainable practice in our operations, interactions and relationships, underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability is one of our strategic pillars within our Strategic Plan 2019-2023.
This project aligns with the following SDG Goals:
- 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
