Why not to Work in Flexible Workplaces? A Systematic Literature Review and Development of a Conceptual Framework for SMEs

Abstract

The demand for more flexible workplaces is on the increase for employees and employers. The aim of this paper is, firstly, to identify and alleviate downsides of alternative workplaces in relation to the performance and motivation of employees that work outside the company's facilities in order to provide a deeper understanding of its consequences, and secondly, to develop a new conceptual framework focusing on workplace flexibility practices in SMEs. A systematic literature review was conducted, 50 relevant articles were identified and analyzed, offering a new conceptual framework which enables researchers and practitioners to combine several occupational, private, social and financial downsides in order to measure to what extent these aspects influence SME performance. Moreover, a research agenda was set up for further examination. Prior to this, no systematic literature review with this focus was conducted and no all-encompassing conceptual framework for SMEs (including all downsides) was identified, underlining the originality and value of this research.