A Survey of the Empirical Literature on Flexible Workhours: Character and Consequences of a Major Innovation

Abstract

Programs of flexible workhours (flexi-time) have a reputation for broad and substantial effects in organizations. This article provides a summary evaluation of the empirical flexible workhours literature, focuses upon the characteristics of flexi-time programs, and details “hard” and “soft” effects of the intervention revealed by the literature. Despite limitations of available studies, both behavioral and attitudinal data encourage more flexi-time applications and suggest future research needs.