Welcome Holly, I have two cocker's and I have a casual job, so one week I might only do 8 hrs over 2 days yet the next week it might be 3 full 8 hr days. Monday I did 7 hrs so I can notice different behaviours, when I came home they were all over me (walked first thing in morning) they had their diner and were then on their beds sound asleep for the rest of the night. I don't think they sleep during the day if I'm not home but keep themselves amused with various toys, but like today I get home after 4 hrs and then they follow me from room to room and sleep under my feet when I sit still. So they can adapt, and do sometimes need to be left on there own none wants neurotic dogs that howl if left alone. I'm also lucky that work is only 15 Min's from home so I can come home for lunch. They are extremely loving dogs and I know the worst punishment my dogs get is being put outside on their own for bad behaviour or even worse totally ignored when really bad for a length of time. Just a suggestion have you read the book by Stanley Corren , "Why we love the dogs we do" its quiet interesting its matching people personalities with dog personalities I've read all of his books, it give a whole new way to look at dog breeds. While I try to type this did you know that on one small chair I have both dogs, one behind me so I have very little room for my butt
and one on my lap so its hard to see the keyboard
and thats still not close enough to keep them happy they do need a lot of people time not just exercise which they also need a lot of. Good luck with your research