HYBRID WORK MODELS AND FREELANCER PRODUCTIVITY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MODERN WORKPLACE

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of hybrid work models on freelancer productivity, focusing on individuals operating within the Fiverr platform. The research aims to identify key challenges and opportunities associated with hybrid work, particularly as freelancers navigate flexible work arrangements in a digitally mediated environment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data from an online survey and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with freelancers and their clients. The survey measures perceptions of productivity, while thematic analysis of interview data uncovers nuanced experiences related to hybrid work. The findings reveal that hybrid work enhances freelancer productivity through flexibility, autonomy, and access to digital tools. However, significant challenges emerge, including social isolation, inconsistent workloads, and communication barriers. Freelancers who adapt to these challenges by leveraging advanced technologies and feedback mechanisms report higher productivity and satisfaction. The study underscores the critical role of platforms like Fiverr in mitigating these challenges by fostering virtual communities, improving workload management systems, and offering targeted training programs. This research contributes to the literature on hybrid work and the gig economy by providing insights into the experiences of freelancers, a group often neglected in traditional work studies. It offers practical recommendations for enhancing productivity in hybrid work environments and suggests future research avenues, including cross-platform analyses and the long-term effects of hybrid work on freelancer well-being.