Millennials at work - insights into flexible work and work-life balance as perceived by millennials: examining the perceived influence of flexible work on the work-life balance of millennials

Abstract

Objectives

The main objectives of this study were to explore the attitudes of Millennials regarding work-flexibility and work-life balance. This study also attempts to examine the perceived influence of flexible work on the work-life balance of Millennials.

Summary

Semi-structured interviews with employees from two different companies were conducted for the purposes of this study. All interviewees belong to the Millennial generation and are provided flexible work arrangements. The interviews focused on the perspectives and experiences of the employees regarding flexible work arrangements as well as the influence of flexibility on their work-life balance.

Conclusions

It appears that Millennials value flexible work arrangements regardless of how often they make use of the provided flexibility. Furthermore, several interviewees stated that maintaining a good work-life balance was important for them. In terms of boundary permeability and flexibility, two distinct opinions emerged. Some employees preferred to maintain a more fixed boundary between work and leisure whereas others did not mind performing small work tasks in their spare time.