Flexible Work Arrangements: A Comparative Analysis of their Impact on Work-Life Balance
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Abstract
In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving work landscape, the concept of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) has garnered substantial attention as a potential solution to the challenges posed by traditional work structures. This review paper critically examines the impact of FWAs on work-life balance, employing a comparative analysis approach to evaluate various types of FWAs across different industries and organizational settings.
Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature, this paper synthesizes findings from empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case studies to provide a nuanced understanding of the effects of FWAs on work-life balance. The analysis encompasses a range of FWAs, including telecommuting, flextime, compressed workweeks, and job sharing, across diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
The comparative analysis reveals both the benefits and challenges associated with FWAs in promoting work-life balance. On one hand, FWAs are found to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and well-being by offering greater autonomy and flexibility in managing work and personal commitments. On the other hand, concerns related to boundary management, communication, and organizational culture emerge as key barriers that can potentially undermine the effectiveness of FWAs in achieving work-life balance.
Moreover, this paper highlights the importance of organizational policies, leadership support, and technological infrastructure in facilitating the successful implementation of FWAs. By examining the experiences of employees and organizations across different contexts, this review offers valuable insights into the factors shaping the outcomes of FWAs and provides recommendations for optimizing their impact on work-life balance.
Overall, this comparative analysis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on FWAs by elucidating their multifaceted effects on work-life balance and offering practical implications for both researchers and practitioners in designing and implementing flexible work policies.