Definition of Flexibility

Aspects of Workplace Flexibility
Measured in the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce

Flexibility is a way to define how and when work gets done and how careers are organized. Workplace flexibility may include:

• having traditional flextime (setting daily hours within a range periodically)
• having daily flextime
• being allowed to take time off during the work day to address family matters
• being able to take a few days off to care for a sick child without losing pay, having to use vacation days, or make up an excuse for absence
• being able to work some regular hours at home
• being able to take breaks when one wants to
• having a work shift that is desirable
• having complete or a lot of control over work schedule
• being able to work part-time (if currently full-time) or full-time (if currently part-time) in one’s current position
• being able to work a compressed work week
• being able to work part-year in current position
• seldom being required to work paid or unpaid overtime with little or no notice
• believing that one can use flexible work arrangements without jeopardizing job advancement

In the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce, Families and Work Institute used an index of the flexible workplace based upon the thirteen specific measures listed above. We understand that our index of workplace flexibility is a new measure and, perhaps, more comprehensive and complicated than employers are likely to use in internal surveys. However, we believe that it is important to obtain an overall index of flexibility by asking employees, for example, whether or not they have the flexibility they need to manage their work, personal, and family lives. We also believe it is extremely important to determine whether employees believe they can use flexible work arrangements without jeopardizing their job advancement.