Few Take Advantage of Flexible Work Schedules

Many workers don’t take advantage of flexible work schedule options at their companies out of fear of harming their careers, according to a study released Thursday.

The survey by Work/Family Directions, a Boston-based consulting firm, found fewer than 2% of employees take opportunities to work at home or part time, even when these programs are offered by employers.

The study’s authors attributed low rates of enrollment in such programs to resistance by managers and reluctance by workers.

One option that has gained more acceptance is “flex time,” in which employees can vary their starting times. About one-quarter of the workers took advantage of this option.