Balanced Flexibility: Avoiding the Traps
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2015-08
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Citation of Original Publication
Kossek, E.E., Thompson, R.J., & Lautsch, B.A. (2015). Balanced flexibility: Avoiding the traps. California Management Review. 57(4), 5-25.
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Abstract
This article identifies three types of traps that can emerge when implementing workplace flexibility—altered
work-life dynamics, reduced fairness perceptions, and weakened organizational culture—and provides core
lessons for managers seeking a balanced flexibility approach. First managers must become flex savvy to
understand the variation that exists in flexibility practices to align implementation with the workforce and
organizational context. Second, implementing flexibility must not be treated as an accommodation but as
a broader systemic organizational change empowering individuals and teams. The article provides a Worksmart
case to highlight how to avoid traps and implement balanced workplace flexibility across multiple
stakeholder interests.