Flexibility stigma, supervisory support, and the use of flexible work arrangements in the public sector: distinguishing flextime and flexplace

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in the public sector and flexibility stigma, focusing on two types of FWAs based on work schedule and work location. Using data from the 2017 Federal Work-Life Survey of U.S. federal employees, the study analyzes how supervisory and organizational support influence the relationship between flexibility stigma and FWA use. Results show a negative relationship between flexibility stigma and flextime use, while flextime use varies by type of flextime. Supervisor and organizational support mitigated the negative effects of flexibility stigma, particularly for flextime and remote work. The findings suggest that enhancing supervisory support can reduce the effects of flexibility stigma and promote effective use of FWA in the public sector. This study provides new insights into how supervisory and organizational support systems can mitigate flexibility stigma and promote the adoption of various FWAs in the public sector.