Gender Differences in Use of Alternative Full‐Time Work Arrangements by Married Workers

Abstract

Many firms now offer alternative work arrangements to help full‐time employees resolve time conflicts between work and family. The 1997 Current Population Survey supplement on work schedules is used to investigate gender differences in personal, family, and work factors associated with flextime use among married full‐time workers. Data collected from a local firm are also used to explore gender differences in flextime and other alternative work arrangements, the reasons behind these choices, and the degree of satisfaction workers have with such schedules. Some gender differences are found in the determinants of flextime use as well as in the reasons employees give for using other alternative work arrangements. Women are more likely to use alternative work schedules to reduce work‐family conflict, whereas men are more likely to use them to enhance personal productivity.