Autor(es): Gomes, Joana Adelina Madeira
Data: 2017
Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/23602
Origem: Veritati - Repositório Institucional da Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Assunto(s): Employment; Universal Basic Income; Work redistribution; Work-life balance; Working time; Flexibilization; Domínio/Área Científica::Ciências Sociais::Economia e Gestão
Nowadays, the fast pace of the transformations in the world of labour and the threat of unemployment lead us to assess the need of work redistribution measures, among which is the flexibilization of working hours. In this context, this thesis’ main aim is to investigate whether or not the flexibilization of working time is the best approach towards work redistribution. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study sets out to evaluate different flexibilization policies and to see to what extent, and from which perspective, they can be deemed successful. We present several intakes on the importance of work redistribution and evidence of its role in creating employment and fostering a stable economy when aided by working time flexibilization policies, whilst taking into account the fields of sociology, ethics, economics and management. This analysis looks at the cases of The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden as models of the implementation of such policies and compares them with both Portugal and the OECD, in order to assess their economic performance. We further probe our quest by taking into consideration, other than the economic viability of these measures, the degree to which they can be beneficial to workers themselves in terms of work-life balance. Additionally, we discuss the matter critically and ethically in order to make sure that certain ethical principles such as the freedom of choice and general well-being are complied when these policies are adopted, as to avoid precariousness and ensure the efficiency of work redistribution. The thesis' comprehensive approach also offers a reflection on the future of work and refers to Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a possible complement to work redistribution measures. It argues that such measures are instrumental for overall economic growth, employment and the prosperity of society, but only if certain criteria are adopted, which the thesis spells out and puts forward.
