HYBRID WORK AND CAREER GROWTH OF GENERATION Z: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Hybrid arrangements are now an assumed part of the working world, especially within the high-tech sectors, and as a consequence of this, Generational Z is struggling to reconcile the digitally independent and purpose-driven career they desire with the gauntlet of American managerial careers that still consist of visibility, mentorship, and structured sponsorship within the organization. This document based research asked how hybrid arrangements affect career advances for Generation Z focuses on flexible working schedules, job autonomy, and hybrid work arrangements as the organizational focus. The research was aligned with the Job Characteristics Theory, Expectancy Theory and Job Demands-Resources Theory, which jointly provide an account of the study through the dimensions of job design, motivation and the organizational context functional vs. dysfunctional outcomes to a career. A systematic desktop review covering the period 2020-2025 was undertaken to study the available empirical and theoretical literature pertaining to Generation Z working under hybrid arrangements.  The study found that with the provision of autonomy around tasks impacting motivation, job satisfaction, and job performance gained, but career forwardment was achieved, only when the autonomy and flexibility of tasks were coupled with systematic feedback and mentoring working at a desk with little oversight. The performed research outlines the importance of organizational support in the forms of virtual mentoring, inclusive leadership, and wellness initiatives in maintaining engagement and retention. Combining multiple forms of support with the hybrid working model was found to enhance the career growth trajectories of Gen Z employees. There should be policies concerning the organization of flexible work arrangements, specifically designed HRM practices centered on autonomy and support, further investment in digital technologies, and calls for longitudinal research on the career advancement of Gen Z, as study suggests. The research shows the importance of hybrid work environments in providing professionally meaningful experiences and opportunities to young workers.