FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

The business case for the provision of flexible work schedules relies on their ability to enhance recruitment and retention, job satisfaction and commitment and reduction of work-life conflict among employees. It makes intuitive sense that offering work-life balance practices would attract individuals to an organization, and that using these practices would result in improved employee attitudes and behaviours within the organization. However, the critical literature review on flexible work schedule revealed that despite the provision of these schedules, employee take-up may be low due to concerns that using work-life practices will result in reduced advancement opportunities or perceptions of the employee as being less committed to the organization. The need for supportive organizational culture, team work, proper communication and training of managers may be at the fore front in addressing this issue. The article offered a critical review of the literature on flexible work schedules through examining the types of flexible work schedules and supporting theoretical foundations. It also examined the conditions necessary for the success of flexible work schedules and the possible outcomes. There was further evaluation of the challenges involved and recommendation therefore.