Research Information System
HUMAN RELATIONS, vol.0, pp.1-55, 2026 (Scopus)
The expansion of hybrid and remote work arrangements continues to
reshape contemporary work, yet the experiences of early-career
professionals within these contexts remain underexplored. Drawing on
semi-structured interviews with 16 early-career professionals working
across remote and physical settings, this study examines how
individuals, at the start of their careers, experience and interpret
hybrid work. The findings reveal two analytically distinct yet
interconnected premises: experiences of situational detachment
associated with feelings of insecurity, alongside the perception of home
as a refuge that affords focus and autonomy. Our analysis identifies
challenges faced by early-career professionals when working remotely,
particularly in sustaining relationships with their immediate managers
and colleagues, interpreting expectations, and accessing informal
learning and developmental opportunities. Together, these findings
illuminate how hybrid work simultaneously enables and constrains
early-career professionals’ learning, identity formation, and sense of
belonging. By foregrounding the lived experiences of individuals
entering professional roles, the study extends qualitative research on
hybrid work and highlights the importance of social interaction,
visibility, and organisational support in shaping early-career
development in hybrid work contexts.