Labouring for leisure? Achieving work-life balance through compressed working weeks
Description
Flexible work practices spreading work times across the entire week have reduced the time to engage in leisure activities and for some have compounded the problem of a lack of defined break between work weeks. This study examines time spent outside of the workplace through a multiple case study of working time and leisure in the construction industry. A framework of synchronous leisure is used to examine the interplay of work and non-work arrangements. The effects of changing work arrangements to deliver a longer break between working weeks and the consequent impact on leisure activities are analysed. Interviews and focus groups across four construction sites revealed that while leisure is important to relieve fatigue and overwork, a work schedule allowing a long break between working weeks, specifically on a weekend, enables workers to achieve synchronous time, particularly with family, and improves work-life balance satisfaction. It was found that a well-defined break across a weekend also offers the opportunity to synchronize schedules with others to spend time away on short breaks.
Impact and interest:
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ID Code: | 48111 | ||
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Item Type: | Contribution to Journal (Journal Article) | ||
Refereed: | Yes | ||
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Measurements or Duration: | 17 pages | ||
Keywords: | compressed working week, time synchronisation, work life balance | ||
DOI: | 10.1080/11745398.2011.575046 | ||
ISSN: | 1174-5398 | ||
Pure ID: | 32096664 | ||
Divisions: | Past > QUT Faculties & Divisions > QUT Business School Current > Schools > School of Accountancy Current > Schools > School of Management |
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Copyright Owner: | Consult author(s) regarding copyright matters | ||
Copyright Statement: | This work is covered by copyright. Unless the document is being made available under a Creative Commons Licence, you must assume that re-use is limited to personal use and that permission from the copyright owner must be obtained for all other uses. If the document is available under a Creative Commons License (or other specified license) then refer to the Licence for details of permitted re-use. It is a condition of access that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. If you believe that this work infringes copyright please provide details by email to qut.copyright@qut.edu.au | ||
Deposited On: | 17 Jan 2012 22:44 | ||
Last Modified: | 23 Jul 2024 13:04 |
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