Unravelling motives and time use of additional leave in a flexible benefits plan: a mixed-methods case study in Belgium

Abstract Working-time reduction emerges as a promising measure for fostering a well-being economy, as it allows to reconsider time allocation between paid labour and other activities, potentially improving human and environmental well-being. This study investigates the motives for and planned time use of additional leave in the context of a flexible benefits plan, a specific form of working-time reduction that is increasingly popular among employees and employers. Despite its popularity, little is known about the rationale behind this choice and its potential to create socio-environmental benefits. Data were collected from a Belgian media company in 2022 using a mixed-methods approach, comprising a survey ( N = 241) and semi-structured interviews ( N = 13). The findings reveal that a mix of motives matters for choosing additional leave, including push, pull, personal and contextual factors, as well as the specifics of the flexible benefits plan. While the desire for more leisure emerges as a primary driver, difficulties in taking up the standard amount of leave present a key barrier. Employees plan to use their extra leave for diverse activities, mainly personal and social activities, household tasks, travel, and ad-hoc pursuits. However, preferences vary based on parental status, with couples having children primarily intending to use the leave for caregiving responsibilities. Notably, the primary activities for intended time use align with increased well-being and have relatively low environmental impacts, although positive effects may be partially offset for well-being (such as when paid work is replaced with unpaid care or household work) or for the environment (such as when spending the extra leave on environmentally intensive (travel) activities). These findings tentatively suggest that choosing additional leave in flexible benefits plans could contribute to a well-being economy.