Gender Differences in Perceived Workplace Flexibility Among Older Workers in the Netherlands: A Brief Report

TY - JOUR

T1 - Gender Differences in Perceived Workplace Flexibility Among Older Workers in the Netherlands: A Brief Report

AU - Damman, M.

AU - Henkens, K.

PY - 2020

Y1 - 2020

N2 - Flexibility in work schedule and work location have been suggested as being work features that may promote prolonged employment among older workers. This study focuses on the question whether access to workplace flexibility differs between male and female older workers and how potential differences can be explained. Analyses are based on data collected in 2015 among 4,813 Dutch older workers (age 60-65 years), who were employed in the government, education, care, and welfare sectors. Results show that the studied women on average perceive to have less workplace flexibility than men, both in work schedule and in work location. The gender difference in perceived location flexibility can be fully explained by differences in the human capital and job characteristics of male and female older workers. The gender difference in perceived schedule flexibility can be captured less clearly by these factors. This disadvantaged position of late-career women warrants attention in discussions about prolonged employment.

AB - Flexibility in work schedule and work location have been suggested as being work features that may promote prolonged employment among older workers. This study focuses on the question whether access to workplace flexibility differs between male and female older workers and how potential differences can be explained. Analyses are based on data collected in 2015 among 4,813 Dutch older workers (age 60-65 years), who were employed in the government, education, care, and welfare sectors. Results show that the studied women on average perceive to have less workplace flexibility than men, both in work schedule and in work location. The gender difference in perceived location flexibility can be fully explained by differences in the human capital and job characteristics of male and female older workers. The gender difference in perceived schedule flexibility can be captured less clearly by these factors. This disadvantaged position of late-career women warrants attention in discussions about prolonged employment.

KW - gender differences

KW - schedule flexibility

KW - flextime

KW - prolonged employment

U2 - 10.1177/0733464818800651

DO - 10.1177/0733464818800651

M3 - Article

SN - 0733-4648

VL - 39

SP - 915

EP - 921

JO - Journal of Applied Gerontology

JF - Journal of Applied Gerontology

IS - 8

ER -