Comparing Flexible Working Hours in Northern and Southern Europe: A Methodological Analysis using Individual Survey Data

Abstract

Our study assesses whether a difference exists in the diffusion of flexible working hours between Northern and Southern European countries. We implemented a methodological approach based on individual workers’ survey data, analysing a large sample from the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS 2015) that includes 17 countries, and applying logistic regression models. We found that a worker in Northern Europe is twice as much likely to use flexible working hours than their Southern Europe counterpart, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables, working conditions, occupations, and sectors. Based on these findings, we argue in favour of the assumption that institutional regimes in Southern Europe feature lower levels of flexibility, putting forward some explanations for their perceived higher flexibility.