Fatih Uysal, CEO of Kariyer.net, stated that 78% of employees now prefer remote or hybrid work models, underlining the importance of flexible work conditions as a critical factor for employee retention. Uysal emphasized that adapting to the evolving demands of the modern workforce is no longer optional for employers seeking to attract and retain top talent.
As the transformation in work life and expectations of the labor force continues, companies in Türkiye are increasingly shifting towards hybrid and remote work models. These models are driving structural changes across various aspects of corporate life—from internal communication to employee experience strategies.
The hybrid model, where employees split their time between the office and remote work, and fully remote work, which removes the need for physical office presence, are gaining popularity. These models are helping businesses in Türkiye reduce operational costs, minimize time and energy losses in large cities, increase workforce efficiency, and improve employee satisfaction simultaneously.
Research conducted by Kariyer.net confirms that skilled professionals increasingly favor remote work environments. Uysal noted that companies aiming to retain high-caliber talent must align with employee expectations: “Today, remote and hybrid working models play a critical role not only in retaining talent but also in attracting it.”
Uysal highlighted that these models are more than just flexibility tools—they are vital to enhancing employee engagement, purpose, and work-life balance.
Digital Transformation and Flexible Models Are Key for Business Survival
Citing the SHRM Talent Trends study, Uysal shared that HR professionals in office-based companies face 83% more recruitment difficulties. This figure drops to 76% for hybrid companies and 43% for remote-first employers. He added that their own research aligns with this: 78% of workers in Türkiye prefer remote or hybrid setups.
Uysal stressed that companies must evolve beyond physical office spaces and fully embrace digital transformation and employee-centric flexible models to remain competitive. He stated that businesses that listen to their employees’ needs and adapt their strategies accordingly are more likely to retain talent effectively.
He also observed that Generation Z does not view jobs solely as a set of tasks but seeks meaningful, value-aligned, flexible, and inclusive workplaces. “Flexibility, purpose, and belonging are becoming increasingly important for this generation. When these expectations are unmet, employee engagement drops and burnout risk rises.”
Employee Expectations Now Centered Around ‘Trust’
Uysal emphasized that these trends are no longer temporary preferences but have become permanent, strategic imperatives for companies. Improving the employee experience and ensuring psychological safety are essential for retaining skilled professionals.
Research by Kariyer.net revealed that open communication, feedback, and recognition at the workplace are major motivators for employees. Furthermore, flexible work models and work-life balance contribute significantly to long-term employee engagement.
According to the “Global Code for Talent” study, the top priority for the workforce both globally and in Türkiye is job security. In Türkiye, financial compensation and career development follow closely behind, while globally, work-life balance surpasses financial rewards.
Uysal also shared findings from their “Psychological Safety in the Workplace” study involving over 1,500 participants. The results showed that trust is becoming the core around which employee expectations and evaluations are shaped.
In collaboration with Wellbees and under the advisory of Sabanci University School of Management, the Flexibility Study found that burnout levels are rising significantly, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Approximately 74% of respondents from these groups reported low well-being. Uysal noted that this trend is not limited to Türkiye—global research by McKinsey also found that 43% of workers worldwide report poor overall health.
Employee Engagement Boosts Profitability and Well-Being
According to Gallup’s 2024 Global Workplace Report, only 23% of employees and 30% of managers are engaged in their jobs. Uysal explained that this highlights a major area for improvement in company strategies.
He noted that strong employee engagement leads to significant benefits: absenteeism drops by 78%, workplace accidents by 63%, and quality defects by 32%, while company profits increase by 23%. Moreover, overall employee well-being improves by 70%.
Uysal concluded by saying that to achieve long-term success, companies must support not only motivation but also the emotional engagement of their workforce:
“When engagement is high, employees are more focused, more productive, and more committed to the company’s goals. Building employee engagement requires showing them that they are valued and investing in their development, which ultimately drives sustainable business success.”
Would you like a visual infographic summarizing these findings for internal use or presentations?
Source: Bloomberght/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök