Flexible work culture: prospects and trends through a bibliometric and systematic review

Purpose Flexible work, defined by its adaptability to changing global conditions, marks a shift from traditional to modern practices. In this environment, employees can choose their preferred working style. This study reviews existing research and highlights new themes in the field. Design/methodology/approach The research data has been organized through a bibliometric analysis, including a systematic literature review and thematic analysis. Using Scopus, data from 2000 to 2024 was collected, and 400 articles were finalized for study on FWC. Vos Viewer, R Studio and Excel were used for analysis. Findings The research emphasizes embracing a flexible work culture, crucial for workforce adaptability. This can be achieved through telecommuting, compressed workweeks, part-time schedules and flexible hours. The study categorizes four main themes through cluster analysis: T1 (Framework, employee well-being and work experience), T2 (Gender-based study, supervisor support, perceived usability and career development), T3 (Parental experience, child care and virtual offices) and T4 (Present and futuristic agenda, work-intensification, teleworking and traditional vs modern work environment). Research limitations/implications This study will offer a blueprint for modern office job requirements. This Work structure will assist in addressing several difficulties for the business and its personnel, enabling managers and staff to effectively manage workloads while embracing flexibility to promote a positive workplace culture. Practical implications This study's prime implication is to provide clarity to managers to start working in a new modernize work set up where managers can help employees to build resilience and enjoy pros and work upon the cons within their work setup. Social implications This paper emphasizes the need to boost employee resilience and modernize traditional work systems. Key recommendations for improving workplace culture and well-being include recognizing gender differences in telework acceptance and providing related training, fostering ethical work practices and positive interpersonal beliefs and enhancing managers' leadership skills through targeted training. Originality/value This paper explores flexible work cultures, focusing on caregivers and elder care, to guide researchers and organizations in enhancing work–life balance.