Work Hour Mismatch and Job Mobility: Adjustment Channels and Resolution Rates

Abstract

This paper analyses the role of job changes in overcoming work hour mismatches (i.e., differences between actual and desired work hours). It addresses two, yet neglected, questions: (1) How do adjustments in desired work hours, additionally to adjustments in actual work hours, contribute to the resolution of these mismatches? and (2) Does the well‐documented increased work hour flexibility of job movers help to actually resolve work hour mismatches? We find that job change increases the probability of resolving work hour mismatches, but far less than expected with free choice of hours across jobs.