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Working time in European SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Paulo Alves

    (Assistant Lecturer at the Higher Institute for Labour and Business Sciences (ISCTE), Researcher at DINÂMIA)

  • Stephen Bouquin

    (Senior lecturer at the Université de Picardie (Amiens) and Senior researcher at CNRS and Laboratoire G. Friedmann (Université Paris I))

  • Luís Poças

    (Senior Technician of Human Resources at a private company; Researcher at DINÂMIA)

Abstract

Working time has always been a source of conflict in industrial relations. Working time has been viewed as a policy tool to save jobs, to create jobs, to balance work and private life, and to enhance the competitiveness of firms. This article draws upon the SMALL research project to assess the extent to which we can observe differences between SMEs and larger organisations with regard to working time and whether the presence or absence of unions makes any difference for employees. It suggests that there is an inverse relationship between the size of the company and average working hours. The informality which characterises employment relations means that working time in SMEs can be flexible. This may offer opportunities for workers to achieve some work-life balance; at the same time it may also mean that they are obliged to work longer and less social hours.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo Alves & Stephen Bouquin & Luís Poças, 2007. "Working time in European SMEs," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 13(1), pages 75-93, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:13:y:2007:i:1:p:75-93
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890701300108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Janneke Plantenga & Robert A. J. Dur, 1998. "Working time reduction in the Netherlands: past developments and future prospects," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 4(4), pages 678-691, November.
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