After the consultants have done their job - what changed?

In Germany, the implementation of flexible working-time arrangements is no more a privilege of big firms. SMEs are increasingly interested in new working-time systems in order to adapt working hours of their workers 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 onmanagement consultants. This is why, in recent years, the regional government of the German Land Nordrhein-Westfalen established a scheme for the support of SMEs drawing on consultancy expertise in terms of working-time. The paper provides insights into the process and the 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 attempt of an isolated working-time consultancy that neglects the organisational backgrounds of individual firms are highlighted.