The research investigated the experience of young professionals working remotely in Jersey’s finance sector. It explored their experience of social connectivity and sense of belonging. While existing literature highlights the importance of colleague support and structured communication in fostering belonging, it does not address these dynamics in the specific context of Jersey’s finance sector. A phenomenological methodology using semi-structured interviews was used. Through analysing interview data, key themes emerged, including communication and connectivity, work-life balance, team dynamics, well-being, productivity, and the challenges of remote work. This research revealed that while digital tools can help maintain connectivity, they may not fully replace the informal interactions typical of an office environment. The findings also highlight the need for tailored hybrid work models that consider the unique needs of young finance professionals. This study contributes to the literature by providing a localised perspective on remote work in a highly structured and competitive industry, challenging the assumption that remote work is universally beneficial.
An exploration of how remote-work impacts the social connectivity and sense of team belonging in young people remote-working in the finance industry in Jersey
This research investigates the experience of young professionals who are remote working in Jersey’s finance sector. It explores their perception and experience of their social connectivity and sense-of-belonging. While existing literature highlights the importance of
colleague support and structured communication in fostering belonging, it does not address these dynamics in the specific context of Jerseys finance sector. A phenomenological methodology using semi-structured interviews was used. Through analysing interview data, key themes emerged, including communication and connectivity, work-life-balance, team dynamics, well-being, productivity, and the challenges of remote-work. This research reveals that while digital tools can help maintain connectivity, they may not fully replace the informal interactions typical of an office environment. Findings also highlight the need for tailored hybrid-work models that consider the unique needs of young finance professionals. This study contributes to the literature by providing a localised perspective on remote-work in a highly structured and competitive industry, challenging the assumption that remote-work is universally beneficial. While remote-working offers practical recommendations for employers and policymakers in Jersey to enhance social-connectivity and
career development in remote and hybrid-work settings, this research emphasises that remote-work may lead to social isolation, weaker professional networks, and a diminished sense-of-belonging foryoung professionals.