A new report from the City of Copenhagen highlights the double-edged nature of flexible working hours. While the initiative has led to greater job satisfaction and improved work-life balance for many employees, it also raises concerns about weakened social bonds at work.
Flexible schedules increase motivation and free time
The trial involved around 300 employees across 14 workplaces who were offered alternative working schedules, such as four-day weeks or extended daily hours in exchange for more days off. According to the evaluation, 78% of participants reported increased motivation, and 79% said they had gained more free time.
Agnete Meldgaard Hansen, a PhD researcher in work life studies at Roskilde University, emphasized the tangible benefits:
“Being able to pick up your children on time, attend football practice, or use an extra day off for a fishing trip or housework makes a real difference.”
A tool for public sector retention
From an employer perspective, flexibility can enhance attractiveness. Municipalities and companies may gain an edge in recruiting and retaining staff by offering work conditions tailored to individual needs. The trend is spreading, with other Danish municipalities—such as Vordingborg and Odsherred—experimenting with similar policies, including four-day work weeks and sector-wide adaptations in care services.
The cost of flexibility: isolation and coordination challenges
However, the shift away from the traditional 9-to-4 workday is not without drawbacks. Hansen warns that highly individualised work schedules can undermine collegial interaction and collaboration.
“One might end up working alone or getting out of sync with colleagues, which makes coordination harder,” she notes. The erosion of shared routines can weaken the sense of community at work—a core element of organisational cohesion.
Hansen stresses that flexible work arrangements must not be imposed, but instead co-designed with employees. Not all staff want—or benefit from—flexibility. Respect for individual preferences and the principle of voluntariness are crucial for successful implementation.
Broader implications for citizens and services
Flexible schedules may also benefit municipal services. In some cases, extended or non-standard opening hours—made possible by staff working different hours—can improve citizens’ access to services, making public life more adaptable to everyday needs.
The Copenhagen report underscores the growing importance of flexibility in public sector innovation, but also highlights the need for balance between individual autonomy and collective identity in the workplace.
