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The Value of Commuting Time, Flexibility, and Job Security: Evidence from Current and Recent Jobseekers in Flanders

Author

Listed:
  • Bert Van Landeghem

    (University of Sheffield and IZA Institute of Labor Economics)

  • Thomas Dohmen

    (University of Bonn)

  • Arne Risa Hole

    (Jaume I University)

  • Annemarie Künn-Nelen

    (Maastricht University (ROA) and IZA)

Abstract

This study examines jobseekers’ preferences for a variety of job attributes. It is based on a choice experiment involving 1,852 clients of the Flemish Public Employment Service (PES). Respondents value flexibility (e.g., remote work and schedule flexibility), job security and social impact of the job, and require significant compensation for longer commute times. A majority (70%) would need very substantial wage increase beyond their acceptable baseline wage to compensate for less flexibility, job security or social impact. These findings enhance our understanding of labour supply decisions and can inform the design of salary packages and HR policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Bert Van Landeghem & Thomas Dohmen & Arne Risa Hole & Annemarie Künn-Nelen, 2024. "The Value of Commuting Time, Flexibility, and Job Security: Evidence from Current and Recent Jobseekers in Flanders," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 322, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:322
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Reservation wage; job search; job amenities; compensating differentials; choice experiments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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