Please find attached a recent Human Relations OnlineFirst article that may be of interest to you:
Examining the tensions in workplace flexibility and exploring options for new directions
Linda L Putnam, Karen K Myers, and Bernadette M Gailliard
Human Relations published online before print 8 October 2013
DOI 10.1177/0018726713495704
http://hum.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/0018726713495704v1
Abstract
Workplace flexibility initiatives as a potential remedy for work–life conflicts are the focus of a considerable number of investigations. Despite their contributions, research findings reveal tensions and contradictions in the ways that employees, managers and organizations develop, enact and respond to these flexibility initiatives. This critical review identifies three primary tensions (variable vs fixed arrangements, supportive vs unsupportive work climates and equitable vs inequitable implementation of policies) that reveal inconsistent and sometimes contradictory findings. We tie these tensions, and the management of them, to an overarching dilemma in implementing workplace flexibility, the autonomy–control paradox. To develop alternatives for handling these tensions, we recommend reframing them through changing organizational cultures, adopting a philosophy of adaptability, customizing work and making workplace flexibility an employee right. We conclude by urging organizations and society to reframe the tensions between work and life, to treat them as enriching rather than competing with each other and to transcend these opposite poles through exploring third spaces.
Best wishes
Claire Castle
Managing Editor, Human Relations
Telephone: +44 (0)7432740583
Email: c.castle@tavinstitute.org
Website: www.humanrelationsjournal.org
OnlineFirst forthcoming articles: http://hum.sagepub.com/content/early/recent
Submission guidance: http://www.tavinstitute.org/humanrelations/submit_paper.html
Human Relations 2012 Impact Factor:
2-year impact factor: 1.938
5-year impact factor: 2.901
Source: 2012 Journal Citation Reports® (Thomson Reuters, 2013)
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