Forget about ‘the ideal worker’: A theoretical contribution to the debate on flexible workplace designs,work/life conflict,and opportunities for gender equality |
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| Institution: | 1. Nyenrode Business Universiteit, Breukelen, The Netherlands;2. Raboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;3. Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands;1. Institute for Technology & Innovation Management, Hamburg University of Technology, Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 4, 21073 Hamburg, Germany;2. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;1. A. T. Kearney Inc., 227 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606, U.S.A.;2. Krannert School of Management, Purdue University, 403 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | This study integrates insights from Self-Determination Theory and Boundary Theory to present scenarios on how flexible workplace designs can trigger multiple motivational processes underlying gendered work/nonwork integration behaviors, and how these affect work/life conflict. We disentangle processes underlying work engagement and work/life conflict, explaining the paradoxical outcomes found with regard to gender inequality in terms of work/life performance, satisfaction, and health. Policy makers and organizations need an increased understanding and a reconceptualization of these issues, realizing that the ideal worker does not exist. Instead, a long-term perspective is needed in order to truly realize the potential benefits of flexible workplace designs for all stakeholders. Organizations need to take responsibility for preventing individual workers’ depletion and stimulating the regeneration of workers’ resources. |
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| Keywords: | Autonomous motivation Flexible workplace Gender equality in the workplace Work/life integration Work/life conflict |
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