Our paper was invited by Joanna Wolszczak-Derlacz and Piotr Paradowski to present our work on working time arrangements and making it match individual preferences. We leverage the flexibility enactment theory to study the link between working arrangements and job satisfaction. We propose that this link is moderated by individual inclination to non-standard working arrangements. Thus, we provide novel insights on the (mis)match between preferred and actual working arrangements. We apply this approach to data from the European Working Conditions Survey and empirically characterize the extent of mismatch in working arrangements across European countries. We shed new light on several phenomena. First, the extent of mismatch is substantial and reallocating workers between jobs could substantially boost overall job satisfaction in European countries. Second, the mismatch more frequently affects women and parents. Finally, we demonstrate that the extent of mismatch differs across European countries, which hints that one-size-fits-all policies, whether they deregulate or curb non-standard arrangements, are not likely to maximize the happiness of workers.

Our paper got wonderful questions and comments, especially during the coffee breaks. A great event with wonderful keynotes (Susan Harkness on gender inequality, Philippe Van Kerm on assortative matching in families, James E. Foster on linking measurement of inequality to policy objectives, and Daniele Checchi on working hours; listed in order of appearance). Definitely and positively amazing!