-RECENT GRADUATES AND HYBRID WORK: PERSON-ENVIRONMENT FIT THEORY PERSPECTIVE

The workplace is in constant transformation, the covid-19 pandemic led many organizations to adopt the Hybrid-Work Model, changing all the preexistent dynamics. This study aims to investigate the impacts of hybrid work on recent graduates. By using as theoretical framework the P-E fit theory, the study covers the four dimensions of the environment exploring, job, organization, group and supervisor, addressing the impact of hybrid work on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, interpersonal relationships, mentorship and quality of life. Semi structured interviews were used as primary data collection method, participants shared their experiences and opinions in hybrid work setting, unveiling interesting nuances of the workplace and flexible work arrangements. The findings indicate that hybrid work can enhance job satisfaction and commitment by providing autonomy and flexibility. However, there were identified challenges in communication, job training, interpersonal relationships and mentorship. Furthermore, the results include the perspectives of recent graduates to the future of the workplace and flexible dynamics. The thesis concludes that the hybrid work model brings significant advantages to graduates and organizations, however it’s important to have some aspects in consideration when implementing this model among recent graduates. The study underscores the importance of the in-office component in the first months of work, suggesting that companies should include a special regime with a stronger office presence. There are some limitations that can be addressed in future research, a larger and more diverse sample combined with a mix-method approach, to increase the generalizability, validity and credibility of the results. The thesis aims to contribute to the existent debate on hybrid work and talent retention.