Hybrid Work and Work-Life Balance: A Study of IT Professionals’ Experiences and Challenges

Background: The increasing adoption of hybrid work models, particularly in the IT sector, has significantly altered traditional work environments. “While such models offer flexibility and autonomy, they also introduce challenges related to work-life integration, digital fatigue, and stress arising from blurred personal and professional boundaries. Aim: This study aims to explore the impact of hybrid work arrangements on work-life balance among IT professionals in India. It seeks to identify both the enablers and barriers to maintaining a sustainable balance between work and personal life in hybrid settings. Methods: A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys (n = 200) and qualitative interviews (n = 10) with IT professionals based in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The quantitative component employed a structured Likert-scale questionnaire assessing variables such as remote work frequency, perceived stress, work-life balance, and organizational support. Thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted using NVivo, and statistical tests, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were performed via SPSS. Results: Quantitative results indicated no significant correlation between the number of remote working days and perceived availability of time for personal commitments (r = 0.021, p = 0.769), nor between stress from work-home overlap and perceived time for family (R² = 0.001, p = 0.599). However, qualitative insights revealed that leadership support, communication clarity, flexible scheduling, and mental health resources are key factors influencing work-life satisfaction in hybrid environments.