Flex | Flexible Working in Portugal

Research Objectives

When exploring macro-economic changes to the global labour market, as well as the role that workers will play in a highly technological and automated future, it can be easy to neglect the fact that, fundamentally, organisations are just groups of people who work with one another to achieve individual and shared goals.

Like you, they want to be happy, fulfilled and respected.

International studies show that flexible working practices — the total or partial autonomy to decide when and where to work, without a fixed timetable and/or mandatory on-site activities — can help deliver balance between our professional, personal and family lives - one of the factors most associated to happiness and fulfilment (Fisher, 2009).

This study looks at work flexibility in a Portuguese context, exploring discrepancies between the expectations of workers in Portugal and the reality of flexible work. It aims to find out just how flexible work is in the Portuguese labour market, the elements that influence this, and how this affects the adoption of flexible working in practice.

Methodology

To explore the topic of labour flexibility in Portugal, we spoke to over 800 Portuguese workers,
‍blending quantitative and qualitative methodologies:

National Survey

Online Questionnaire to understand Portuguese workers experience of work flexibility in practice.

In-depth interviews with businesses

Employees and employers of small, medium and large companies (SMEs) in Portugal, giving a balanced voice to a variety of indicators, including gender, age, marital status, among others. flexibility in practice.

Interviews with flexible working specialists

Academics, members of the Portuguese Government and specialists in recruitment and retention of employees.

Intercept interviews with international workers

Young entrepreneurs from the international community, residing and working in the country.

Methodology

To explore the topic of labour flexibility in Portugal, we reached more than 800 people across the country, blending quantitative and qualitative methodologies:

A National Survey

Online Questionnaire to understand Portuguese workers experience of work flexibility in practice.

In-depth interviews with businesses

Employees and employers of small, medium and large companies (SMEs) in Portugal, giving a balanced voice to a variety of indicators, including gender, age, marital status, among others.

Interviews with flexible working specialists

Academics, members of the Portuguese Government and specialists in recruitment and retention of employees.

Intercept interviews with international workers

Young entrepreneurs from the international community, residing and working in the country.

Methodology

To explore the topic of labour flexibility in Portugal, we spoke to over 800 Portuguese workers, blending quantitative and qualitative methodologies:

A National Survey

Online Questionnaire to understand Portuguese workers experience of work flexibility in practice.

In-depth interviews with businesses

Interviews with flexible working specialists

Academics, members of the Portuguese Government and specialists in recruitment and retention of employees.

Intercept interviews with international workers

Young entrepreneurs from the international community, residing and working in the country.

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Produced by

Based in London and Lisbon, Polar Insight helps organizations across Europe design and deliver better services by understanding citizen needs. Combining scientific rigor with inclusive research methods, Polar Insight transforms knowledge into opportunities for private and public organizations.

With support from

The quantitative phase of this study is the result of a partnership between Polar Insight and CEPCEP – Centre for Studies on People and Cultures of Portuguese Expression, from Portuguese Catholic University.