Benefits and Drawbacks of Flexibility in the Duration of Working Hours. An Investigation in Seven Austrian Industries

Abstract

In this study, we assign different forms of work hours arrangements to predominantly employee and employer-driven flexibilization and examine the effects of this flexible work hours arrangement on paid and unpaid overtime. Furthermore, we examine the circumstances under which employees report positive vs. negative effects of flexible work hours arrangements. The basis for the analysis is a survey of Austrian employees in seven selected industry sectors. We observed that flexible weekly work hours were more often associated with overtime than less flexible arrangements. In addition, employees with higher academic degrees tended to work overtime more often than those with a lower level of education. Working in the evenings or on Saturdays was also associated with longer work hours. Results showed different patterns for unpaid overtime: The likelihood of unpaid overtime is significantly higher in certain sectors, namely in gastronomy and the banking sector. In addition, individuals with lower levels of education were significantly more likely to work unpaid overtime. Although flexibility in weekly work hours is associated with overtime, flexibility is often very positively rated by the employees. This especially holds true for employees who have a say in their work schedule. If however work schedules are predominantly designed according to the employer’s requirements, the working time model is perceived more negatively.