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Work Meaning and the Flexibility Puzzle

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  • Thimo De Schouwer
  • Iris Kesternich

Abstract

We study heterogeneity in the prevalence of and preferences for workplace flexibility and work meaning. We show that, internationally, women and parents value flexibility more but do not work more flexible jobs. The gender dimension of this flexibility puzzle is related to differences in meaningful work, which women value higher and sort into, at a significant price corresponding to 20 to 70% less flexibility. The parental dimension is connected to preferences for meaning and flexibility diverging after childbirth. We show through counterfactuals that making meaningful jobs more flexible reduces the gender gap in total compensation by almost a quarter.

Suggested Citation

  • Thimo De Schouwer & Iris Kesternich, 2024. "Work Meaning and the Flexibility Puzzle," CESifo Working Paper Series 11300, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Le Barbanchon & Roland Rathelot & Alexandra Roulet, 2021. "Gender Differences in Job Search: Trading off Commute against Wage," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 136(1), pages 381-426.
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    4. von Gaudecker, Hans-Martin & Holler, Radost & Simon, Lenard & Zimpelmann, Christian, 2023. "How has the increase in work from home impacted the parental division of labor?," VfS Annual Conference 2023 (Regensburg): Growth and the "sociale Frage" 277603, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    5. Viscusi, W Kip & Aldy, Joseph E, 2003. "The Value of a Statistical Life: A Critical Review of Market Estimates throughout the World," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 5-76, August.
    6. Kesternich, Iris & Schumacher, Heiner & Siflinger, Bettina & Schwarz, Stefan, 2021. "Money or meaning? Labor supply responses to work meaning of employed and unemployed individuals," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    7. Kurt Lavetti, 2023. "Compensating Wage Differentials in Labor Markets: Empirical Challenges and Applications," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 37(3), pages 189-212, Summer.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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