Sustainable career experiences in remote and hybrid work: a qualitative study in a small island developing state

Purpose This study explores how employees experience remote and hybrid work in relation to their well-being and sustainable career experiences in a Global South context. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups with professionals from diverse sectors in Mauritius between 2023 and 2025. The data were analysed thematically to explore the socio-technical conditions that participants associated with their work experiences across the study period. Findings The findings suggest that remote and hybrid work arrangements create both opportunities and constraints for sustainable careers. Flexible work practices, digital support and organisational trust were associated with autonomy, work-life balance and positive work experiences. At the same time, digital inequality, technostress, social isolation and reduced informal learning were described as constraining visibility and development opportunities, particularly for early-career employees. These findings suggest that misalignment between social and technical conditions may be associated with how career sustainability is experienced in uneven digital environments. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature on sustainable careers by showing how socio-technical conditions are associated with career experiences in remote and hybrid work settings within the Global South. It offers contextually grounded insights for organisations seeking to support inclusive and sustainable career development.