Flexitime: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'flexitime' emerged in the 1960s, combining 'flexible' and 'time' to describe adaptable working hours.
• It was first officially adopted in the 1970s, mostly in corporate cultures aiming to improve employee satisfaction and productivity.

Workplace Trends

• Flexitime has gained popularity in the tech industry as companies seek innovative ways to attract talent.
• Research suggests that employees with flexible schedules report higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance.

Cultural Impact

• Countries like Scandinavia lead in implementing flexitime policies, often resulting in higher overall productivity.
• Flexitime reflects changing work cultures worldwide, promoting a focus on results rather than strict working hours.

Psychology

• Flexibility in work hours can reduce stress, allowing workers to manage personal commitments alongside professional duties.
• Studies indicate that when employees have control over their schedules, their motivation and engagement levels increase significantly.

Legislation

• In some countries, part-time workers are legally entitled to flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
• The UK's Flexible Working Regulations, introduced in 2014, allow employees to request flexible hours after 26 weeks of service.