The Flexibility Paradox: Why Flexible Working Leads to (Self-)Exploitation

Although flexible working has become common during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can lead to exploitation, particularly for women and men, with increased care responsibilities or longer working hours. This book critically examines the potential risks and benefits of flexible working and offers policy recommendations to address its negative consequences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Flexible working has become increasingly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering employees the opportunity to adapt their work schedules to better balance their personal and professional lives. While this approach has been praised for its potential benefits, such as increased productivity and reduced stress, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. In this comprehensive volume, researchers from across Europe and beyond explore the impact of flexible working on work-life balance, drawing on data from 30 countries.

The findings of this research suggest that flexible working may not always lead to a better work-life balance. Instead, it can sometimes exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly for women and men. For example, women may be more likely to take on additional care responsibilities, such as caring for children or elderly relatives, which can impact their ability to balance work and family commitments. Similarly, men may be pressured to work longer hours or be available for work outside of regular business hours, leading to increased stress and burnout.

One of the key concerns raised by this research is the potential for exploitation in flexible working arrangements. Employers may use flexible working as a means to reduce labor costs by encouraging employees to work longer hours or to be available outside of their regular work schedules. This can lead to a race to the bottom, where employees are forced to work excessive amounts of time for low pay and little job security.

To address these concerns, it is important for policymakers to consider the potential risks and benefits of flexible working and to implement policies that promote a fair and equitable work-life balance for all employees. This may include measures such as flexible work hours, paid leave, and job security protections. Additionally, employers should be encouraged to prioritize employee well-being and to provide support for employees who are struggling to balance their work and personal lives.

In conclusion, flexible working has the potential to offer benefits to employees and employers alike, but it is important to approach this approach with caution and to ensure that it is implemented in a way that promotes a fair and equitable work-life balance for all employees. By taking a critical stance and investigating the potential risks and benefits of flexible working, policymakers can help to ensure that flexible working arrangements are used to benefit everyone, rather than to exploit workers.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 167 x 240 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447354772