After the consultants have done their job - what changed?

In Germany, the implementation of flexible working-time arrangements is no longer solely the province of big firms. SMEs are increasingly interested in new working-time systems in order to adapt individual working times to business needs while saving on overtime pay. However, in contrast to big companies with their own working-time know-how, most of them depend on management consultants. This is why the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) recently set up a scheme to support SMEs drawing on consultancy expertise in matters of working-time. The paper provides insights into the process and outcomes of such consultancy activities. It draws on ongoing case studies in SMEs and focuses on the particular difficulties of SMEs trying to change their working-time organisation. The deficiencies of any advice given during a consultancy exercise that neglects the organisational backgrounds of individual firms arehighlighted.