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Flexible working practices and job-related anxiety: Examining the roles of trust in management and job autonomy

Author

Listed:
  • Suhaer Yunus

    (University of Lincoln, UK)

  • Ahmed Mohammed Sayed Mostafa

    (University of Leeds, UK)

Abstract

Although flexible working practices (FWPs) have been associated with positive individual outcomes, less is known about ‘how’ and ‘why’ such associations occur. Drawing on Conservation of Resources theory, this study examines the mediating and moderating processes which underpin the relationship between FWPs and job-related anxiety. The study’s hypotheses, proposing a moderated mediation model, are tested using data from Britain’s Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS) 2011. The results of generalised multilevel structural equation modelling (GMSEM) reveal that FWPs increase trust in management (TIM), which, in turn, decreases job-related anxiety. Furthermore, job autonomy moderates both the positive relationship between FWPs and TIM and the indirect relationship between FWPs and job anxiety through TIM, such that the mediated relationship becomes stronger when perceived autonomy is high. Our study encourages focusing on FWPs, as these stimulate perceptions of resource gain spiral, and the integrated influence of resources accumulated through such positive gain spirals promotes well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Suhaer Yunus & Ahmed Mohammed Sayed Mostafa, 2022. "Flexible working practices and job-related anxiety: Examining the roles of trust in management and job autonomy," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 43(3), pages 1340-1368, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:43:y:2022:i:3:p:1340-1368
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X21995259
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Neve Abgeller & Reinhard Bachmann & Tony Dobbins & Deirdre Anderson, 2024. "Responsible autonomy: The interplay of autonomy, control and trust for knowledge professionals working remotely during COVID-19," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 45(1), pages 57-82, February.
    3. Rhea Monica Denopol-Pacaña & Rosenie S. Coronado, 2025. "Perceptions on Flexible Working Hours and Work-Life Balance Among Hospital Employees in A Department of Health -Retained Hospital," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 12(15), pages 321-351, March.
    4. Jingjing Qu & Jun Li & Yannis Georgellis, 2025. "The psychological strain of becoming self-employed: a longitudinal investigation of honeymoon-hangover effects," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 64(2), pages 433-449, February.

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