Flexible working conditions and decreasing levels of trust

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyse levels of generalized trust among employees who have adapted to increasing demands for flexibility in their working lives (nonstandard work) compared with employees in traditional employment (standard work). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire distributed to randomly selected individuals in Sweden (2004, n =5,080) and a workplace survey study of temporary agency workers (2008, n =119). Data were analysed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression analysis. Findings – The results reveal that people in nonstandard positions display significantly lower levels of generalized trust compared to standard employees, where age, gender, and socio‐economic position are constant. Practical implications – Since trust has proved to be a prerequisite for innovativeness, and both flexibility and innovation are officially accepted solutions for the troubles of post‐industrial society, the findings point to a possible paradox in the “new economy”. Originality/value – The results of this study are unique in that they provide valuable support for the theory that flexible working conditions lead to decreasing levels of trust in society.