Is Using Regular Flexible Leave Associated with Employee Wellbeing?

Abstract

The use of flexible arrangements will likely increase with the Labour government’s introduction of the National Employment Standards which provide employees with caring responsibilities the right to request flexible work arrangements. Data come from a sample of public servants (n=2168) surveyed in 2008, providing a unique setting to investigate the implementation process associated with work life balance policy. Results showed that employees who regularly used flexible leave compared with non users reported lower work interference in home life. The study found some interesting differences among men and women. Men appeared to benefit more than
women from these arrangements. Mothers benefit but not when they work long hours. Users compared to non users perceived a more supportive and equitable workplace culture, and these variables were found to be stronger predictors of wellbeing than utilisation alone, highlighting the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture to obtain positive outcomes.