Flexible working in the public sector – a case of inflexibility: senior managers' experiences

Purpose The public sector is often considered the vanguard in terms of availability and promotion flexible working arrangements (FWAs). Despite this, little known about how senior managers engage with FWAs. This paper aims to address this gap, reporting on a number issues, including reality FWAs, existence flexibility stigma whether gendered, drivers influencing uptake Design/methodology/approach Theoretical insights from literature data semi-structured interviews Northern Ireland Civil Service explore realities FWAs at level. Findings findings indicate decoupling between rhetoric few availing such arrangements. authors also identify complex web issues that constrain managers' agency shaping positive culture management level Service, an inherent resistance flexibility, lack visible role models negative perceptions around progression. deeply held among males females associated stigma. These were confirmed by small caring responsibilities who Research limitations/implications provides human resource practitioners into difficulties wide-scale FWA use levels Service. Originality/value study offer valuable experience as they study, therefore, contributes limited area.