Flexible work schedules are one response to changes in the composition of the work force, new life-styles, and changes in work attitudes. Types of alternative work schedules are part-time and temporary employment, job sharing, and flextime. Part-time workers are a diverse group--women, the very young, and older near-retirees. Although part-time jobs are disproportionately lower-wage jobs, a growing number of part-time jobs are in managerial and professional positions. Part-time workers often have extensive commitments to activities and responsibilities outside of work, such as child and elder care, which makes part-time work an appealing option. Temporary workers are a fast-growing segment of the labor force. Temporary jobs provide scheduling freedom and variety for workers, and businesses often use contingent workers for cost containment and staffing flexibility. One response to a shortage of permanent, career-status part-time jobs is job sharing, typically an arrangement in which two people share one full-time job. Successful job sharing depends on the commitment of job partners and willingness of supervisors to be flexible. Flextime schedules allow variability in the starting and ending times of the work day. Flexible working hours can result in higher motivation and job satisfaction. A diverse work force and potential labor shortages imply that an array of scheduling options should be offered. Greater demand for alternative work schedules will require changes in the practices and attitudes of employers and employees, such as rethinking organizational structures and task assignments, altering supervisory styles, conceiving new methods of performance appraisal, and preparing flexible, self-directed workers. (SK)