Yusuf Kocoglu

Flexible Working Patterns and Factor Utilisation: A Cross-country Comparison

This study compares the use of flexible working patterns in four European countries. In particular, working patterns that lead to a decoupling of working time and operating time are considered. The analysis is based on logistical regressions performed on individual data from the 2003 European Capital Operating Time and Work and Employment (EUCOWE) survey. The comparison covers France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Logistical regressions by country confirm previous conclusions on the main determinants of the decoupling of working time and operating time. The fact that the significant determinants of flexible working patterns are the same in every country strengthens these results. An analysis based on a single model encompassing all of the countries leads to an original result. All other things being equal, the use of flexible working patterns differs greatly between countries. Germany and the United Kingdom appear to be more flexible than France and the Netherlands. In these latter countries, this may highlight the need to reduce rigidities in the labour market so as to make the decoupling of working time and operating time easier.