Esnek Çalışmada Özgürlük ve Güvencesizlik Çelişkisi: Uzaktan Çalışan Beyaz Yaka Çalışanların İş-Yaşam Dengesi Üzerine Nitel Bir İnceleme

Abstract

Bu araştırma, uzaktan ve hibrit çalışan beyaz yakalıların deneyimleri üzerinden esnek çalışmanın sağladığı özerklik ile beraberinde getirebildiği güvencesizlik ve belirsizliklerin iş-yaşam dengesine yansımalarını incelemektedir. Nitel vaka çalışması olarak tasarlanan araştırmada, Türkiye’de bilişim sektöründeki farklı işletmelerde çalışan 19 beyaz yakalıyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yapılmış, veriler MAXQDA kullanılarak nitel içerik analiziyle incelenmiştir. Bulgular, uzaktan ve hibrit çalışmanın zaman ve mekân üzerinde kontrol, ulaşım süresinin azalması ve bireysel ihtiyaçlara uygun çalışma düzeni bakımından özerklik sağladığını göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte mesai saatlerinin genişlemesi, sürekli erişilebilirlik, işten psikolojik olarak uzaklaşamama ve iş-özel yaşam sınırlarının bulanıklaşması bazı çalışanların iş-yaşam dengesini zorlaştırmaktadır. Güvencesizlik, iş kaybı endişesinin yanı sıra örgütsel görünürlük, kariyer olanakları ve çalışma modelinin geleceğine ilişkin belirsizliklerle ilişkilidir. Bu deneyimler yönetsel yaklaşım, kurumsal destek, işin niteliği, performans değerlendirmesi ve bireysel sınır yönetimine göre farklılaşmaktadır. Özerklik ve esneklik, belirsizlik ve sınır sorunlarıyla bir arada yaşanabilmektedir.

Keywords

• Esnek Çalışma
• Uzaktan Çalışma
• Hibrit Çalışma
• İş-Yaşam Dengesi

The Autonomy–Job Insecurity Paradox in Flexible Work: A Qualitative Study of Work–Life Balance Among Remote White-Collar Employees

Abstract

This study examines how autonomy, insecurity, and uncertainty associated with flexible work are reflected in work–life balance among remote and hybrid white-collar employees. In this qualitative case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 employees from different IT firms in Türkiye. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis using MAXQDA. Findings indicate that remote and hybrid work offers autonomy through control over working time and location, shorter commutes, and arrangements suited to individual needs. However, extended working hours, constant availability, difficulty psychologically disconnecting from work, and blurred work–life boundaries challenge balance for some employees. Insecurity is associated with concerns about job loss and uncertainty regarding organizational visibility, career opportunities, and the future of working arrangements. Experiences vary according to managerial approaches, organizational support, job characteristics, performance evaluation, and individual boundary management. Autonomy and flexibility can coexist with uncertainty and boundary-related difficulties.

Keywords

• Flexible Work
• Remote Work
• Hybrid Work
• Work–Life Balance

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