---
title: The Four Types of Flex Working
description: Understanding the four types of flex working.
---

<https://work.themomproject.com/resources>

# [The Four Types of Flex Working](https://work.themomproject.com/resources/four-types-of-flex-working)

 Written by [The Mom Project](https://work.themomproject.com/resources/author/the-mom-project) | Nov 13, 2020 3:21:34 PM

Did you know there are four distinct types of flex-work scenarios? Yep ... self-optimizing, part-time, remote, and sabbaticals. Each presents a unique opportunity for you to address and power a happy, productive workforce. 

To help determine which makes the most sense for your team and company, review our quick snapshot of all four and how they work.

**1. Self-Optimizing **

**WHAT:** Employees reorder their working hours to create an optimal schedule, maximizing productivity and well-being. 

**WHO: **Ideal for employees who are productive during unconventional hours or work better in sprints. Parents with carpool responsibilities. Managers with direct reports across time zones. Employees with long commutes. 

**CONSIDERATIONS:** Establish a window of “core working hours” to ensure availability for meetings and collaboration with colleagues. This is also a great way to alleviate “meeting overload”—something most companies struggle with today.

## **2. Part-Time **

**WHAT:** Employees work on a reduced hours schedule 

**WHO:** Workers going through a life stage where dedicating full-time hours to work is not feasible, e.g. students, senior workers.

**CONSIDERATIONS:** For employees looking to move to part-time, implementing job-sharing between co-workers is a smart option.

## **3. Remote **

**WHAT:** Employees work from any location of their choosing. Some may be fully remote, while others are in-office a few days per week. 

**WHO:**  Employees who don’t live within a reasonable commuting distance or are physically unable to come into an office 

**CONSIDERATIONS:** Remote work can be lonely work. Encourage employees to think critically about whether a remote role is right for their productivity and performance.

## **4. Sabbaticals **

**WHAT: **Employees take an extended break from work. Can be paid, unpaid, or partially paid and last up to six months, depending on the company. 

**WHO: **Talent interested in pursuing growth opportunities or refocusing energy and gaining new perspectives

**CONSIDERATIONS:** Encouraging sabbaticals can be incredibly effective in improving employee well-being and decreasing turnover. Many companies offer tenured or longtime employees paid sabbaticals. Unpaid ones are also a great way for employees to recharge and return more productive, happy, and healthier. 

 

Whichever flex-working scenario you choose to adopt, know that being open and adaptable is key to building a workforce that supports today’s modern families. 

[View full post](https://work.themomproject.com/resources/four-types-of-flex-working)

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