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Work–Life Balance and the Demand for Reduction in Working Hours: Evidence from the British Social Attitudes Survey 2002

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  • John MacInnes

Abstract

Work–life balance policies aimed at reducing working hours are often assumed to be of particular interest to workers with family responsibilities such as young children. Although workers in Britain report the kind of time‐stress envisaged by the debate over a ‘long‐hours culture’, there is little relationship between workers’ family situation and preferences for working fewer hours. Women workers’ hours already reflect family commitments to some extent, while families with young children may need the income levels that only substantial working hours bring. Conversely workers without family commitments may have more capacity to swap income or career progression for increased leisure time.

Suggested Citation

  • John MacInnes, 2005. "Work–Life Balance and the Demand for Reduction in Working Hours: Evidence from the British Social Attitudes Survey 2002," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 43(2), pages 273-295, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:brjirl:v:43:y:2005:i:2:p:273-295
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8543.2005.00355.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Surhan Cam, 2014. "The Underemployed: Evidence From the UK Labour Force Survey for a Conditionally Gendered Top-down Model," Journal of Social Science Studies, Macrothink Institute, vol. 1(2), pages 47-65, July.
    2. Daniel Hoppe & Helen Keller & Felix Horstmann, 2022. "Got Employer Image? How Applicants Choose Their Employer," Corporate Reputation Review, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 25(2), pages 139-159, May.
    3. Frances McGinnity & Emma Calvert, 2008. "Yuppie Kvetch? Work-life Conflict and Social Class in Western Europe," Papers WP239, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
    4. Parker, Louise & Watson, Duncan & Webb, Robert, 2011. "Family fortunes: Gender-based differences in the impact of employment and home characteristics on satisfaction levels," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 40(3), pages 259-264, May.
    5. Dan Wheatley & Irene Hardill & Bruce Philp, 2008. "Managing reductions in working hours: a study of work-time and leisure preferences in UK industry," NBS Discussion Papers in Economics 2008/5, Economics, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University.
    6. Zubovic, Jovan, 2010. "Razvoj privrede zasnovan na ulaganjima u ljudske resurse i stranim investicijama [Economic Growth Based on Investments in Human Resources and Foreign Investments]," MPRA Paper 64092, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Linda McKie & Gill Hogg & Laura Airey & Kathryn Backett-Milburn & Zoe Rew, 2009. "Autonomy, control and job advancement," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 23(4), pages 787-796, December.
    8. PUDARUTH Sharmila & JUWAHEER Thanika Devi & NUNKOO Robin & VENCATACHELLUM I, 2017. "Non Standard Work Practices And Its Impact On Children Development, Family Functioning And Health And Safety Concerns In A 24/7 Economy," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 12(2), pages 155-175, August.
    9. Heywood, John S. & Siebert, W. Stanley & Wei, Xiangdong, 2005. "High Performance Workplaces and Family Friendly Practices: Promises Made and Promises Kept," IZA Discussion Papers 1812, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    10. Ethel N Abe & Ziska Fields & Isaac I Abe, 2017. "The Efficacy of Wellness Programmes as Work-Life Balance Strategies in the South African Public Service," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 8(6), pages 52-67.
    11. Fang, Tony & Lee, Byron & Timming, Andrew R. & Fan, Di, 2019. "The Effects of Work-Life Benefits on Employment Outcomes in Canada: A Multivariate Analysis," IZA Discussion Papers 12322, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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