Working time is a dynamic mechanism of work environment and is a subject to constant change and adaptation to the needs of employers or employees. Trends such as globalisation, digitalisation and technological progress are blurring the boundaries between work and family life and increasing the responsibilities that arise from both spheres. Working time is one of the factors that can promote or hinder work-life balance. The aim of the study was to identify the characteristics of working time of employed citizens of Slovenia, the role of working time in balancing work and family life, and the relationship between working time and work engagement. 400 employees (329 women and 71 men) participated in the survey and completed three questionnaires on working time, work-family conflict and employee engagement. The working time questionnaire consists of sections on organisation of the working time, duration, flexibility of working time, and changes in working time during the COVID-19 epidemic. The results show that non-standard working time, which includes work in shifts and on weekends, is very common among Slovenian workers. Non-standard working time also leads to greater work-family conflict. Employees' schedules are mostly set by the employer, and a longer period between the communication of the work schedule and its implementation is associated with greater conflict between work and family. On the other hand, most employees are offered flexible working time, which is considered a family-friendly practice and is associated with less work-family conflict and higher work engagement. The findings of the study can be used for developing guidelines on working time that can help employers set schedules that contribute to better work-life balance and higher work engagement.
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