We are pleased to announce the publication of a new research paper titled “Flexibility Stigma Across Europe: How National Contexts can Shift the Extent to which Flexible Workers are Stigmatised,“ authored by Heejung Chung (KCL) and Hyojin Seo (Tilburg University). This study is part of the TransEuroWorkS project, which explores key factors influencing flexible work arrangements across Europe.
Despite the rapid rise of flexible working, especially during the pandemic, many workers still face what is known as flexibility stigma—negative biases or perceptions that can impact their well-being and productivity. This stigma can act as a barrier, preventing workers from fully embracing flexible work options and leading to potentially harmful outcomes for both individuals and organisations.
The study examines how national cultural and policy contexts influence the extent of flexibility stigma in 28 European countries, using data from the 2018 Eurobarometer survey. The research reveals that countries with strong work-life balance cultures, egalitarian gender norms, and generous family-friendly policies tend to experience lower levels of flexibility stigma. Additionally, the study highlights that workers in countries with stronger bargaining power—whether through unions or better labour market conditions—are less likely to experience stigmatised views toward flexible work.
These findings underscore the importance of national contexts in shaping perceptions of flexible working and point to the critical need for policy reforms that can help remove barriers to flexible working practices. As the world of work continues to evolve, this research provides valuable insights into how we can create more inclusive and supportive work environments for all.
This study is a significant contribution to the TransEuroWorkS project, which aims to better understand the dynamics of flexible working across Europe and advocate for policy changes that foster more inclusive, sustainable working arrangements.
For further details on the study, you can access the full paper and explore more about the TransEuroWorkS project on our website!