Possibilities and limitations of flexible work arrangements in the military

Abstract

Employers widely utilize flexible work arrangements (FWAs) both to improve employee work-life balance and to increase organizational effectiveness. To date, the private sector has embraced FWA to a much larger extent than has the military. In this project, I outline the underpinnings of workplace flexibility and describe how it can potentially improve the military labor market. First, I outline a conceptual framework that addresses the work environment's dynamics and complexities while assessing the most common benefits and challenges found in FWAs. Second, I outline a military-centered five-phase process that facilitates the implementation of FWAs in the military work environment. The model is not a panacea, but is instead a comprehensive starting point to help management understand the importance of workplace flexibility, the positive effects from the organizations' and defense members' perspectives, and the elements of an implementation plan.