A growing number of Croatian employees are moving away from traditional fixed working hours, opting instead for flexible schedules, remote work, and “sliding” start times that allow them to choose when — and from where — they work. According to a new survey published by the job portal MojPosao, 66% of men and 60% of women in Croatia use some form of flexible work arrangement.
The study, conducted by Alma Career Croatia and CESI – Centre for Education, Counselling and Research, surveyed more than 300 workers. Despite the rise of flexibility, the results show that half of all respondents still work the classic eight-hour day — 50% of men and 52% of women.
However, men are more likely to extend their workday: 41% of men work longer than eight hours, compared with 37% of women. Conversely, women more often work shorter hours, with 11% reporting reduced schedules compared to 9% of men — a pattern researchers say may reflect differing family demands or job roles.
Men and women embrace different types of flexibility
While flexible work is becoming mainstream, the survey shows that men and women do not use it in the same way.
For women, the most valuable forms of flexibility are those that make it easier to balance work and private responsibilities. Sliding start and finish times are the most popular option, used by 42% of women and 34% of men. Remote work also shows a gender gap: one-third of women work from home at least part of the time, compared with one-quarter of men.
Men, on the other hand, more often prefer models that give them greater autonomy. Nearly 20% of men work without strictly defined working hours, focusing instead on tasks and deadlines — a system used by only 7% of women. Men also slightly more often choose their own daily or weekly rhythm, though the differences are smaller.
Researchers noted a surprising detail: 98% of respondents do not use the legally available flexible options designed for parents of young children or caregivers, suggesting that existing policies may not be widely known or accessible in practice.
What workers want most: remote work and sliding hours
When asked which forms of flexibility they would like to have, both men and women strongly favour sliding work hours and the option to work remotely — with women expressing slightly more interest in both.
Another standout preference is the four-day work week with eight-hour days, supported by 50% of women and 47% of men. Men are more enthusiastic about the idea of a “shorter Friday” — 45% compared to 39% of women.