WORK RESCHEDULING AND TRAFFIC RELIEF: THE POTENTIAL OF FLEX-TIME

This report contains results of research conducted in San Francisco concerning the use of flex-time. Correlations are made between flex-time and trip scheduling, between flex-time and choice of transportation mode, and between flex-time and traffic congestion. From the individual commuter's point of view, flex-time saves time, is more comfortable, provides more reliability of transit, provides greater self-reliance, and allows for sharing of commuting costs. From the employer's point of view, flex-time creates: increased productivity and improved morale; less absenteeism; reduced turnover, training and recruitment costs; reduced congestion on elevators and at plant gates; and fewer grievances associated with disciplining tardiness. The report also contains a case study of the use of flex-time at Metropolitan Life. Staggered hours require employees to arrive at a fixed time of their choice within a prescribed interval; whereas, flexible work hours allow employees to choose their own work schedules and vary them somewhat from day to day. Research in San Francisco and evidence from Seattle, Washington and Ontario, California suggest that flex-time has the following advantages over staggered work hours: flex-time is based on choice, not on compulsion; many employees arrive at work dramatically earlier, producing the intended impact of the most ambitious staggered hours plan; employees want flexible hours and an increasing number of employee unions and associations are bargaining for them; employers frequently report increased productivity and reduced absenteeism--incentives for companies to make the effort required to introduce flex-time; and flex-time comes in many forms so it can be tailored to suit companies with different business operations and management philosophies. On the other hand flex-time is not suited to the work environment of many small businesses and most manufacturing plants; therefore, staggered hours would probably prove more effective in those circumstances.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00333417
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Governmental Studies

  University of California
  Berkeley, CA  United States  94720
• Authors:
  • Jones Jr, D W
  • Harrison, F D
  • Jovanis, P P
• Publication Date: 1980-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 10 p.
• Serial:
  • Public Affairs Report
  • Volume: 21
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Institute of Governmental Studies
  • ISSN: 0033-3417

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Commuters; Flexible hours; Productivity; Public transit; Ridesharing; Scheduling; Staggered work hours; Traffic congestion; Work trips
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Highways; Passenger Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I10: Economics and Administration;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00329506
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 21 1982 12:00AM