Alternative Work Schedules and Work–Family Balance

Abstract

For many years, employers have sought to improve employee productivity and work environments. One common strategy is alternative work arrangements, which include flextime, job sharing, telecommuting, and a compressed workweek. In this article, the authors examine the effects of implementing a compressed workweek (four 10-hour days) for employees in city government. This study examines the impact of the compressed workweek schedule on the job satisfaction and work–family conflict of the participating employees. Employees perceived that the alternative schedule increased their productivity and their ability to serve the citizens. Additionally, the authors report that employees working the 4/10 workweek experience lower levels of work–family conflict than their counterparts who are working other schedules, but no significant difference for most measures of job satisfaction. Overall, the authors argue that the impacts of alternative work schedules need more careful study.