Flexible work patterns and experiences of the work-family interface among Australian parents

Abstract

Flexible work is often heralded as a key solution to the work–family ‘juggle’, yet evidence of its effectiveness is mixed, and few studies consider how parents combine flexible work options to balance work and care. This study aimed to examine the interplay between formal (employer-provided) and informal (self-directed) flexible work arrangements and identify usage patterns that support parents’ management of the work–family interface. We examined data from 3669 coupled Australian parents collected in 2016–2017. Using latent class analysis, we identified three distinct patterns of total flexibility use (low, moderate and high). Parents who were low users had the poorest work–family experiences, reporting higher work-to-family conflict, lower work–family enrichment and less balance than moderate or high users. However, high users experienced higher family-to-work conflict, and greater flexibility uptake did not ease perceptions of time pressure. Overall, findings demonstrate that formal and informal flexibility is a beneficial resource for mothers and fathers.