Why Don't More Employers Adopt Flexible Working Time?

Abstract

Flexible working time, also known as flextime, is the incorporation of one or more of a variety of arrangements that modify the hours and location of work. Flextime has been associated with a variety of positive workplace outcomes, including talent retention, higher morale, and improved customer satisfaction. Yet few employers adopt robust flextime practices. This manuscript articulates a business case for flextime, while exploring some of the informational and attitudinal barriers that impede adoption of flextime practices. This manuscript also examines some of the consequences of poorly handled flextime initiatives and discusses emerging legal reforms in favor of flexible work.

Keywords: flextime, flexible working time, working hours

JEL Classification: J22, J29