Flexible work arrangements in SMEs: navigating communication, collaboration and productivity challenges

This study examines how employees in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden perceive the influence of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) on communication and collaboration processes, and how these processes in turn influence their perceived productivity. A qualitative design was employed, comprising five focus group discussions with SME employees from diverse industries. This approach allowed for the in-depth exploration of participants' experiences and perceptions of FWAs. The analysis revealed a dual impact of FWAs. On the one hand, flexibility enhanced individual focus and autonomy; on the other, it disrupted communication and collaborative routines essential for maintaining collective productivity. Employees described flexibility as a shared responsibility, requiring clear norms and intentional communication practices to sustain collaboration and ensure smooth workflows. The findings suggest that SMEs need to actively manage the relational conditions under which FWAs operate. Establishing shared norms for communication and availability, along with predictable moments for informal interaction, can help sustain coordination and collaborative workflows. Clarifying boundaries for digital availability may also protect employees' recovery. Together, these practices can make FWAs both productive and health-promoting. By focusing on SME employees' perspectives, this study shows how FWAs influence communication and collaboration processes that underpin key relational work practices. These findings extend prior research by clarifying how flexibility, while enhancing autonomy, may also create subtle bottlenecks in collaborative workflows and affect the relational conditions that support both productivity and workplace health.