Flexible Working: Definition, Examples & Benefits

Meaning 1：adjustable work arrangement (Flexible working)

Flexible working 🔊

/ˈflɛksəbəl ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/

A way of working where your hours or location can be adjusted, not fixed to an office 9-to-5 schedule.

Flexible working setup with laptop and coffee at home desk

adjustable work arrangement 🔊

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/əˈdʒʌstəbəl wɜːrk əˈreɪndʒmənt/

A modern work practice allowing employees to vary their start/finish times or work remotely, promoting work-life balance.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Flexible (from Latin 'flectere' to bend) + working (work activity).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a bendy straw that can adjust its shape like your work hours.

📖 Example

With flexible working, Sarah can start her day earlier to finish in time for her child's school play. 🔊 With flexible working, Sarah can start her day earlier to finish in time for her child's school play.

🔗 Collocations

flexible work hours – adjustable daily schedule

flexible workplace – a location chosen by the employee

flexible contract – employment agreement with variable terms

🔄 Synonyms

remote work (n.) – working from a location other than an office

telecommuting (n.) – using technology to work from home

flextime (n.) – a system allowing flexible start/end times

🚫 Antonyms

fixed schedule (n.) – a rigid work timetable

office-bound (adj.) – required to be at the office

nine-to-five (n.) – traditional work hours

🌱 Derivatives

flexibility (n.) – the ability to adjust

flexibly (adv.) – in a flexible manner

flexitime (n.) – a system of flexible working hours

📖 Cultural Story

The concept emerged with telecommuting in the 1970s. 'Flexible' derives from Latin 'flectere' (to bend), implying adaptability in work schedules or locations.