A two‐wave study on the effects of cognitive demands of flexible work on cognitive flexibility, work engagement and fatigue

Cognitive demands of flexible work are the specific cognitive planning working times, places, structuring tasks and coordinating with others that arise from organisation. Although these have become increasingly widespread, their consequences not well understood. We propose challenge stressors can benefit employees, by adding to flexibility engagement, but also impair employees causing fatigue. Hypotheses were tested using a two-wave study design in sample recently switched more organisation (N = 279). Data analysed structural equation modelling. found times places related increases flexibility, was engagement. No significant relations fatigue found. Thus, results suggest helped personally develop feel motivated at work. However, effects on engagement rather small. Future research should control potential confounding variables thoroughly examine short-term strain outcomes.