Positive and negative application of flexible working time arrangements: comparing the United States of America and the EU countries

Abstract

This chapter focuses on flexible working time arrangements and presents flexible work schedule practices as they vary among individuals, organisations and nations, explaining reasons for observed variations. It highlights the need to focus on specific types of flexible work options; distinctions between availability, access, and use; as well as formal and informal use practices. We show that, depending on the metric used, flexibility can be seen as widely available, or as seriously constrained or limited. If structured as employee-centred, flexible work arrangements can improve work-family harmonisation. Creating contexts with flexible work options that can enhance employee well-being requires attention at the organisational level, with cultural contexts that support both formal and informal implementation, as well as national level policies that regulate the terms under which work hours can be, and should be, open to adjustment by employees.