Flexible forms of work have become an increasingly common practice in modern workplaces due to the development of digital technology, which allows work to be performed regardless of time and place. Today, they are offered not only by employers as part of organizational flexibility but are also increasingly sought after by job seekers as an important factor in employment choice. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributed to the wider acceptance and implementation of flexible work arrangements, as organizations were forced to quickly introduce various forms of flexibility due to health restrictions. In this work, I present the theoretical frameworks and legal definitions of working time, outline different forms of working time, and analyze how flexible forms of the workspace also affect working hours. Special attention is given to the advantages and disadvantages of flexible work, its effects on individuals, and challenges such as balancing private and professional life, constant availability, virtual presenteeism, and difficulties disconnecting from work. Through analysis of empirical data, I attempt to determine whether flexibility actually affects working hours, while also improving the balance between work and free time and enabling individuals to clearly separate the two. In the final analysis, I seek to establish whether flexible work arrangements, despite their generally positive acceptance, are truly beneficial when considering their potential negative aspects.
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