The annual pattern of working and non-working time may be modified in various ways. Average hours of work may be calculated over longer periods, as in seasonal activities. Additional days of time off with pay may be allowed in the course of the year, reducing the annual total of work days. Flexibility in work-time arrangements for part-time or temporary employees, or for employees released for spells of recurrent education, are also of course a departure from the standard pattern.

This chapter is concerned, however, with a very tangible and important improvement, namely staggered annual holidays.