A Tentative Categorisation of Various Types of Work Flexibility

Abstract

The article provides a more detailed discussion of a tentative categorization of various types of work flexibility in Slovenia on the basis of the survey from the international Households, Work & Flexibility project. It shows that there are statistically significant differences between selected flexibility categories in the ('objective') characteristics related to work, but practically no significant differences in the ('subjective') opinions on possible work/family conflicts or agreements about various household issues. In comparison with the candidate countries, the Netherlands, Sweden, & the UK reveal a much higher share of atypical forms of employment, but also greater satisfaction with various aspects of work. These large differences are influenced not only by institutional & policy choices, but also by general factors such as the level of development, economic structure, lifestyles, & preferences. The results arising out of the 'supply side' of work show that flexible forms of employment can be both more or less favorable than typical, full-time, permanent employment with a regular schedule & one economic activity. The answer to this depends both on objective & subjective criteria. Such empirical research can be an important element in contributing to the process of building a social consensus around how to balance the benefits & costs of flexible forms for all stakeholders.