A classification taxonomy and empirical analysis of work arrangements

The work-related characteristics of an individual act as pegs around which other non-work activities of an individual are scheduled on a day-to-day basis. This study identifies four dimensions of the medium-to-long range work arrangements that are important to day-to-day temporal and spatial characteristics of work patterns (and hence to day-to-day activity-travel schedules). The four dimensions are: (1) Full-time versus part-time employment, (2) Teleworking or not, (3) Inflexible or flexible work schedules, and (4) Regular or alternate shifts. The study then develops a comprehensive taxonomy of work arrangements in each of these four dimensions and empirically analyses the factors impacting the work arrangement decisions along three of these dimensions. The data used for the empirical analysis is drawn from a web-based survey of Austin area commuters conducted between December 2003 and March 2004. The results emphasize the importance of socioeconomic and work-related characteristics of employees in understanding work arrangement decisions. Specifically, the study indicates that young adults and women with children are more likely than other individuals to be in part-time employment. Also, women workers with children in their households, well-educated workers, and medium-to-high income earners are more likely than the overall worker population to telework. Finally, adults in households with very young children (less than 5 years of age) and individuals working in high employment density work locations have a higher propensity than other individuals to have work schedule flexibility