There are as many types of flexible work as there are workers, but they can generally be divided into the following four categories.

Formal flexibility is a situation in which flexibility is negotiated in advance and used on a regular basis. This can mean working four days in the office and then working from home on the fifth day or other combinations that work for the long commuter, new parent, etc. The formalized agreements are negotiated in advance and used on a regular, non-ad hoc basis. These arrangements can be structured either on a full-time or a less than full-time work schedule.

Informal flexibility enables employees to change their hours or location on an as-needed, even last-minute, basis as their situation demands— although they usually need to notify their manager. For example, requesting to work from home on days when inclement weather makes commuting difficult or when a family member is ill.

Career Flexibility supports employers in recognizing that as life happens throughout your employment life cycle you may choose to work more or less based on what's happening in your personal situation and professional objectives. Employers are interested in having engaged, quality talent. To that end, they are interested in offering flexible opportunities from sabbaticals to phased retirement to on and off ramping.

Flexible Employment Relationships occur when employers encourage employees to work differently so that they can work better. High value is placed on employees who take on innovative new projects or new assignments that will expand their knowledge, skill and networks—even outside the company walls. Employers value the employees desire to take control and be responsible for their own career objectives.

For a list of detailed flex work definitions, please see our Glossary.