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Flexible Working: Are We Ready for This?

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Hidden Inequalities in the Workplace

Part of the book series: Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma ((PAEWS))

Abstract

This chapter reviews studies in flexible working arrangements and examines ‘hidden’ inequalities associated with gender, class location, career advancement and family status in relation to the practice of work flexibility in workplaces. Implications drawn from the review suggest that for HR managers and practitioners are organisations offering flexible working arrangements and must recognise and address ‘hidden’ inequalities and discriminations against those who use them and protect employees from retaliatory treatment. Employers need to explore new management initiatives to fully embrace the work-life balance value and facilitate its operation across the workforce regardless of differences in gender, occupations, care responsibilities or family status.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Resource Management, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK

    Ning Wu

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  1. Ning Wu
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  1. Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Valerie Caven

  2. Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Stefanos Nachmias

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Wu, N. (2018). Flexible Working: Are We Ready for This?. In: Caven, V., Nachmias, S. (eds) Hidden Inequalities in the Workplace. Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59686-0_6

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