Mörkerarbete

Mörkerarbete is a Swedish term that can refer to work conducted in darkness or low light, typically night shifts, but in some contexts it is also used to describe unreported or “off the books” work conducted to evade taxation or regulation. The word combines mörker (darkness) and arbete (work). In everyday language it is most commonly associated with night-time labor, where workers perform duties after sunset, such as healthcare personnel on night shifts, police and security, transportation, and construction projects that require work outside regular hours. In other contexts, mörkerarbete is used to denote work paid under the table or not declared to authorities, a usage overlapping with svart arbete (illegal work) or undeclared labor.

Safety, hours, and compensation: Working in darkness can present specific risks, including reduced visibility and fatigue. Employers typically must address lighting, safety procedures, and health monitoring for night workers, and shifts may be regulated to protect rest and well-being.

History and notes: The concept appears in labor discourse and media as the practical reality of nonstandard schedules, and in discussions of the shadow economy it is sometimes contrasted with formal employment.