Alternative Job Arrangements

In this chapter we describe the research dealing with alternative job arrangements. We start by highlighting the positive and negative consequences of this type of work-life balance (WLB) strategy in terms of employees and organizational outcomes. We explain how this WLB practice influences employee and organizational outcomes in terms of person-job fit, job demands and resources, job demands and control, and role conflict. We then describe how this WLB strategy is commonly implemented: part-time work, job sharing, career breaks, and contract work. Finally, we describe conditions under which alternative job arrangements are most effective in terms of personal, organizational, and environmental moderators.