In the REFLEX project, the relationship between work-time flexibility and work inclusion is being investigated.
The combination of work-time flexibility and new information technology like smartphones and laptops has made it easier for many employees to juggle work and home. This is more important than ever as we have an aging workforce.
On one hand, flexible working hours has proven beneficial for seniors, for workers caring for young children or sick family members, and those with health issues. Flexibility, for example in the form of flextime or remote work, can help these groups remain in the workforce and thus promote inclusion.
On the other hand, flexibility in where and when one performs work tasks can lead to continuous connectivity to work, overwork, burnout and sickness absence, and thereby contribute to withdrawal from work. In Europe, one response to these challenges has been a legal right for workers to disconnect from work.
However, there is a need for increased knowledge on how to ensure that groups needing flexibility to remain in the workforce receive this, while simultaneously preventing overwork and negative health consequences. REFLEX aims to provide a broad knowledge base for policy development in this field.
Level of Education: Higher education
Lead Organisation: OSLOMET
