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Family-friendly policies promoting work-life balance contribute to desirable outcomes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment. However, additional information is needed about the impact of various flexible work options. While flexible work may increase job satisfaction due to the autonomy it provides, it can also create work-life imbalance. This study examined work flexibility variables. A clear relationship was found between work flexibility and job satisfaction; additionally, job satisfaction increases with greater flexibility to deal with family matters. Participants indicated that the greatest job satisfaction came from the opportunity to work often from home, but not always work from home.
Keywords: flexible work, job satisfaction, work-life balance, family-friendly work policies, organizational commitment
INTRODUCTION
Job satisfaction has a positive impact on employee behaviors such as performance, productivity, organizational commitment, abseentism, and retention (e.g., see Cai et al., 2019; Cherif, 2020; Harrison et al., 2006; Judge et al., 2001; Riketta, 2008; Shuck et al., 2011). Determination of job quality is subjective, but typically reflects how employees feel about their jobs and the characteristics of their work (Benedetti et al., 2020; Spector, 1997). In other words, job satisfaction indicates the degree to which people like or dislike their jobs (Spector, 1997). Family-friendly policies promoting work-life balance such as flexible work hours are related to desirable outcomes such as job satisfaction and organizational commitment (e.g., see Andrade et al., 2019; Cherif, 2020; Lourel et al., 2009; Martinez-Sanchez et al., 2018; Scandura & Lankau, 1997).
Flexible work has been the focus of much discussion in organizations as the COVID-19 pandemic expanded possibilities and managers began to recognize that employees could be productive and accountable outside the office. Thirty-five percent of American job holders representing all economic sectors report the ability to work from home full time with 58% indicating the availability of remote work options part time (McKinsey & Company, 2022). This represents a major shift in workplace norms. It also suggests that employers meet employee demands for flexible work in order to compete for talent; work flexibility is a top reason for people to accept new jobs.
However, additional information is needed about the impact of various flexible work options on job satisfaction. While flexible work may increase job satisfaction due to the autonomy it provides, it can also...