I’ve written often on this blog about flexibility and work. As a working mom, it’s an endless struggle to juggle my career and my family and I’ve only been able to do it because of having some flexibility with my work schedules. Depending on where I’ve worked, I’ve either been able to work from home some of the time or leave earlier than normal on some days and continue to work after my daughter is asleep. (I’ve never worked part-time and while sometimes I think that may be the ultimate way to “balance” work and family, I’ve heard from enough women about their part-time work experiences that would suggest this arrangement is far from ideal.)

The current economic recession is scary on many levels but one aspect about it that’s stressing me out is its potential effect on flexibility at work. As employers cut jobs and tighten their belts, will those who work on flexible schedules — including part-time — be the first to go? There’s some evidence that this is happening, according to this article in the Wall Street Journal, and I know of two moms who were laid off and believe they were chosen because they work part-time. If employers use the old-school face-time criteria to decide who stays and who goes, part-timers, telecommuters, and those with flexible schedules are in trouble.

But perhaps instead of stressing about what this recession will do to work flexibility I should be encouraged. Part-timers and telecommuters are often cheaper to employ — in tough economic times, will there be more opportunities to create work schedules that work with our lives? The same Wall Street Journal article highlights some instances where this has been the case: “Based on an April survey by Towers Perrin of 700 employers, 21% to 32% are either implementing or considering part-time shifts or four-day workweeks, as a cost-cutting tool.” (Of course, as the article points out, employees may not have a choice in this case.)

I’m curious about your experiences and what you’re seeing out there — how is the recession affecting either your work flexibility (if you have any) or that of your friends or colleagues? Are you putting in more face time at the office to reduce your chances of getting laid off? If you work part-time or telecommute, have you made an extra effort to spend time in the office?