Flexible Working Time Arrangements in Bulgaria

The objective of this paper is to analyze the flexible working time arrangements in Bulgaria, using a life-course perspective. Two important features have to be outlined, namely: underdeveloped flexible forms of employment in the country, including working time arrangement, and lack of previous analysis on flexible working time arrangements from the angle of life-course perspective. The author describes the regulatory framework, collective agreements at national and company level as a frame within which different forms of flexible working time arrangements by gender develop. The study points out that there are no significant gaps concerning work engagement under different working time schemes. It is mentioned that the existing legal frame gives relatively good opportunities for the flexible working time arrangement to be in practice. However, crossing the issue of flexibility in working time arrangement with working life cycle, the author outlines more gender differences, e.g. more young people in flexible types of employment; more women employed part-time, etc.