A study conducted by the Istanbul Planning Agency shows that a significant portion of the working population in Istanbul experiences intense stress in their professional lives. The findings reveal a striking picture regarding work arrangements, perceptions of flexibility, and feelings of burnout.
The May issue of the Istanbul Barometer, the monthly data bulletin by the agency affiliated with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, highlighted the theme "Boundaries, Flexibility, and Positive Work Perception in Working Life." The research also found that a considerable part of Istanbul's workforce is employed in physically demanding jobs.
Workforce Composition Draws Attention
Among participants, 49.6% reported working in physically demanding jobs. Meanwhile, 30.7% were engaged in desk-based or mentally focused roles, and 19.7% worked in mixed-type jobs.
The data indicates that a large segment of workers in the city are employed in sectors requiring physical strength. This distribution reinforces discussions about stress and fatigue related to working conditions.
Flexible Working Perceived Differently
Responses regarding the concept of flexible working stood out in the study. 48.7% of participants viewed this arrangement as freedom and a balance between work and private life.
On the other hand, 35.2% described flexible working as uncertainty and lack of planning. Another 16.1% saw it as constant pressure to be reachable and an endless workload.
Regarding work locations, 74.1% of participants spent the entire day at the office or workplace. The proportion of remote or hybrid workers was measured at 25.9%.
Stress and Burnout Prominent
When asked about occupational stress levels, 40.5% of participants reported experiencing intense work-related stress. Meanwhile, 38.5% said they did not experience stress, and 21% were undecided.
The study also measured feelings of burnout. 35.2% of participants stated they felt burned out, while 46.4% said they did not experience such feelings.
These results indicate that a significant portion of Istanbul workers struggle not only with workload but also with the mental pressure created by their working conditions.
Some Give Up Career for Shorter Working Hours
Participants were also asked whether they would choose a job offering shorter working hours with the same salary but limited career opportunities. 44.5% said they would accept this option.
Meanwhile, 45% said they would not make such a choice, and 10.6% were undecided. Among women, the rate of those willing to accept this option rose to 48.1%, while among men it remained at 42.6%.
The results reveal diverse expectations among Istanbul workers regarding the balance between time, income, and career.