Flex, adapt, thrive? Navigating work mutations and the well-being of police officers supporting gender-based violence victims in Catalonia

Abstract New dynamics in the world of work have emerged due to the transformation in the production system and concurrent labor deregulation policies developed over the past 100 years. Standard employment of the Welfare State now coexists with flexible, disposable labor. This continuum fosters significant mutations, adaptations, and modulations of the workforce, presenting constant challenges for worker well-being. To analyze the impact of these tensions on workers and society, this article explores flexible scheduling practices in relation to levels of stress and work–life balance. This article explores the experiences of police officers in Catalonia who support victims of gender-based violence, and questions whether work flexibility helps or hinders in managing the demanding nature of their work. It argues that flexible work arrangements do not address the challenges of specialist jobs, such as police dealing with gender-based violence and calls for a more comprehensive approach to support the well-being of these essential workers.