flexitime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal/business
Quick answer
What does “flexitime” mean?
A work arrangement that allows employees to choose their start and finish times within agreed limits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A work arrangement that allows employees to choose their start and finish times within agreed limits.
A flexible working hours system typically requiring employees to complete a set number of hours per week or month, with core hours when everyone must be present.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English prefers 'flexitime' as one word; American English often uses 'flextime' (without the 'i') and considers both 'flexitime' and 'flextime' acceptable.
Connotations
Both convey positive workplace flexibility. British usage may slightly emphasize formal policy structures; American usage can imply more informal arrangements.
Frequency
More common in UK professional contexts. In the US, 'flexible hours' or 'flex schedule' are frequently used alternatives.
Grammar
How to Use “flexitime” in a Sentence
be on flexitimework flexitimehave flexitimeintroduce flexitimeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flexitime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company allows staff to flexitime within core hours.
- We can flexitime on Fridays during summer.
American English
- Employees can flextime after completing training.
- The new policy lets us flextime two days a week.
adverb
British English
- They work flexitime to avoid rush hour.
- The team operates flexitime during school holidays.
American English
- She schedules appointments flextime to accommodate clients.
- We manage projects flextime across time zones.
adjective
British English
- She has a flexitime arrangement with her manager.
- The flexitime policy needs updating.
American English
- He's on a flextime schedule that suits his commute.
- Flextime options attract better candidates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR policies, employment contracts, and workplace discussions about work-life balance.
Academic
Appears in organizational behavior, management studies, and sociology of work literature.
Everyday
Discussed among colleagues considering work arrangements or job benefits.
Technical
Specific term in labour law, employment regulations, and workplace management systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flexitime”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flexitime”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flexitime”
- Spelling: 'flexitime' (UK) vs 'flextime' (US).
- Using as a verb: 'I flexitime today' (incorrect) vs 'I work flexitime' (correct).
- Confusing with 'overtime' or 'compressed hours'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, flexitime refers specifically to flexible start and finish times, regardless of location. Working from home is about location flexibility.
Typically no – flexitime usually involves working the same total hours as standard arrangements, just with flexible timing.
Not all jobs are suitable. Roles requiring constant coverage or specific customer-facing hours may not accommodate flexitime.
Core hours are fixed periods when all employees must be present (e.g., 10 AM–4 PM), with flexibility allowed outside those times.
A work arrangement that allows employees to choose their start and finish times within agreed limits.
Flexitime is usually formal/business in register.
Flexitime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɛksɪtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɛksˌtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “work the flexi”
- “flexi-freedom”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FLEX your TIME = FLEXITIME: imagine bending your work hours to fit your life.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A FLEXIBLE MATERIAL (that can be stretched, bent, or shaped).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used interchangeably with 'flexitime' in American business contexts?