From the classic five-day week to flexible employment: optimizing the work schedule based on employee preferences

The article, based on the author's original research, reveals the main aspects of forming individual preferences regarding alternative formats of worktime organization in contrast to the classic 40-hour workweek scheme with a five-day work schedule and mandatory presence at the workplace. The purpose of the research is to identify the main trends and analyze the factors determining the choice or refusal of labor relations subjects (urban residents) regarding various models of worktime organization. The results of the study show that employees demonstrate a tendency to choose a format of employment that best aligns with their current work style. There is a decreasing attractiveness of the traditional work format. However, preferences depend both on the gender-age structure of workers and have industry-specific characteristics. General scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, a systemic approach, as well as factor analysis were used to interpret the results, allowing for the identification of the impact of various factors affecting the decision-making process regarding the choice between modern work formats. The scientific novelty of the study includesе the following conclusions: The predominance of hybrid work forms in employees' preferences; Workers seek greater flexibility in worktime organization, leading to the fact that the overwhelming majority (more than 3/4) support various forms of flexible employment; The decreasing attractiveness of the traditional work format; The classic work model is no longer dominant; One in eight considers the traditional format the most unacceptable (this is the highest share among all formats); Traditional employment with mandatory presence at the workplace is more attractive to men and older age groups, while youth and older women show a greater willingness for alternative work formats. Unlike other studies, the author placed a greater emphasis on analyzing respondents' work modes and the dependence of their preferences on current workload. The results obtained may indicate that the implementation of various forms of flexible employment requires an individual approach to different categories of workers and consideration of their specific preferences in worktime organization. The findings of the research may be useful for companies of various ownership forms when considering the possibility of introducing flexible work schedules or transitioning to a reduced workweek.

flexible employment, remote employment, flexible work schedule, shortened work week, four-day workweek, hybrid schedule, free employment, freelance, human resources management, traditional employment