A survey conducted by Kariyer.net with over 1,500 employees living in Istanbul and its surroundings revealed that many workers in the Marmara region are contemplating relocation because of earthquake fears.
The survey showed that 57% of respondents feel anxious following the earthquake, while only 7% feel secure. Approximately 80% of workers in the region are worried about the risks posed by earthquakes. Furthermore, 82% work full-time, and over 70% prefer a hybrid work model.
Around 35% of employees are thinking about moving due to earthquake anxiety, while nearly 33% of those not considering relocation trust the infrastructure of their area and buildings. The combination of high living costs in Istanbul and the earthquake risk is pushing workers to prioritize remote work options.
Around 38% of participants believe their workplaces are earthquake-resistant, while 17% do not, and around 40% are unsure. More than half (55%) of respondents feel the measures taken by their companies after the earthquake are insufficient, with many questioning the long-term sustainability of these efforts.
Disaster preparedness training or seminars are highly requested by employees. According to the survey, 76% of participants reported not receiving any training or seminars before the earthquake, 60% feel such training is necessary, and over 65% indicated their companies lack a disaster response plan.
Kariyer.net CEO Fatih Uysal stressed the importance of companies creating disaster response plans that address both the physical and psychological safety of their employees, along with conducting regular disaster drills.
He emphasized that companies must not only ensure physical safety but also safeguard the emotional well-being of their workers to provide a secure workplace environment.