Trabalho remoto e sociabilização: uma análise sociológica das transformações nas relações de trabalho entre profissionais de TI

Abstract

Remote work became a dominant practice in the Information Technology (IT) sector after the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing benefits such as flexibility and cost reduction, but also challenges related to socialization and organizational culture. This study investigated the impact of remote work on socialization among IT company employees, analyzing how the absence of daily physical interactions affects social dynamics, engagement, and professionals’ well-being. The research adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews conducted with six IT professionals, whose data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results revealed that communication in the remote environment has become functionalized, with more objective interactions and a loss of the spontaneity characteristic of the in-person workplace. The internalization of surveillance was also identified, as professionals felt the need to constantly demonstrate productivity, even without invasive monitoring systems. It was observed that most companies do not promote structured initiatives for socialization, leading professionals to seek informal solutions. Although technological tools facilitate communication, they do not fully replace in-person interactions. The study concludes that flexibly structured hybrid models, with periodic in-person meetings and deliberately designed spaces for social interaction, are essential strategies to ensure team cohesion, professionals’ well-being, and organizational sustainability in the context of remote work.