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Does temporal and locational flexibility of work reduce absenteeism?

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  • D.S. Possenriede
  • W.H.J. Hassink
  • J. Plantenga

Abstract

In this study, the effects of temporal and locational flexibility or work on the frequency and length of sickness absenteeism are analysed. Using a Dutch survey of public sector employees, we show that increased temporal and locational flexibility is negatively associated with sickness absenteeism in general. Especially flexi-time, i.e. schedule flexibility which is quickly adjustable, reduces both the frequency and in particular the duration of absences. Telehomework or location flexibility on the other hand seems to mainly affect absence frequency but not absence duration. In contrast, long-term duration flexibility in the form of part- time work does not appear to have a significant impact on absenteeism.

Suggested Citation

  • D.S. Possenriede & W.H.J. Hassink & J. Plantenga, 2014. "Does temporal and locational flexibility of work reduce absenteeism?," Working Papers 14-09, Utrecht School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:use:tkiwps:1409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Possenriede & Wolter H.J. Hassink & Janneke Plantenga, 2016. "Does temporal and locational flexibility of work increase the supply of working hours? Evidence from the Netherlands," IZA Journal of Labor Policy, Springer;Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit GmbH (IZA), vol. 5(1), pages 1-34, December.
    2. Nandi, Alita & L. Bryan, Mark, 2015. "Working hours, work identity and subjective wellbeing," ISER Working Paper Series 2015-21, Institute for Social and Economic Research.
    3. Mohnen, Alwine & Mückenhausen, Verena & Toporova, Nevena & Kern, Maximilian, 2021. "Personalmanagement in Familienunternehmen: Recruiting, Arbeitsbedingungen, Weiterbildung," Studien, Stiftung Familienunternehmen / Foundation for Family Businesses, number 250040, June.
    4. Daniel Possenriede & Wolter Hassink & Janneke Plantenga, 2014. "Does temporal and locational flexibility of work increase the labour supply of part-timers?," Working Papers 14-11, Utrecht School of Economics.
    5. Manuel Denzer & Philipp Grunau, 2021. "The Impacts of Working from Home on Individual Health and Well-being," Working Papers 2106, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    absenteeism; flexi-time; locational flexibility; part-time work; telehomework; temporal flexibility;
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