Work Uncertainty and Extensive Work Effort

Abstract

Using data from the fourth and fifth European Working Conditions Surveys, the author examines how work uncertainty and the use of individual and bundled human resource practices are associated with employees’ extensive work effort. Results at both the employee and country-industry levels of analysis show that work uncertainty and several human resource practices have a direct and positive association with employee overtime as a measure of extensive work effort. Moreover, training, task rotation, teamwork, and the human resource bundle act as mediators by transmitting part of the effect of work uncertainty to employee overtime.