Transformations in the employment pattern following the impact of COVID-19 through the lens of socioeconomic characteristics: The case of Chania

Abstract

This study examines the transformation of work patterns in the post-COVID era, focusing on the emergence of hybrid work as a permanent feature of the contemporary employment landscape. Drawing on data from the city of Chania, a region significantly impacted by the pandemic in both epidemiological and economic terms, the analysis aims to understand the dynamics shaping new working practices. The objective is to investigate how the pandemic has driven structural changes in the organization of work and to explore the socioeconomic factors influencing the differentiated adoption of hybrid work models. Additionally, the study examines the relationship between these emerging forms of employment and perceived productivity, as expressed by the workers themselves. Despite the expansion of hybrid work across many new employee categories, its adoption varies significantly depending on several socioeconomic factors, including employment status and sector of activity, as well as individual characteristics such as qualifications or gender. Moreover, an examination of the internal distribution of hybrid work usage highlights other crucial factors such as the income level and family status of workers. With regard to productivity, the findings of the study indicate that the adoption of the hybrid work model is associated with a positive assessment of job performance by employees, suggesting its potential not only as a tool for flexibility but also as a means of enhancing efficiency. The article identifies both the opportunities and challenges associated with the transition toward hybrid working models and emphasizes the necessity of formulating appropriate policies to enhance understanding and improve the effectiveness of these new employment practices.