The number of people who work from home has skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are clear benefits to remote work, the isolation can also take a toll on mental health. A new study is shedding light on this potential harm.

Remote Workers Who Live Alone at Risk of Mental Health Challenges

A recent study published in the journal Science details how spending too much time working alone poses dangers to your mental health. This harm is amplified for people who also live alone.

The study's authors looked at over a decade of survey data and compared the results between workers with jobs that required them to be in person and remote-friendly jobs. The researchers found that people in remote-friendly jobs who also lived alone spent a quarter of their days without any social connection. This percentage was more than twice the isolation found in people who worked jobs that were not conducive to remote work.

It is important to note that experts believe that while remote work may boost the risk of isolation, having to go into the office more is not always better. According to Dr. Constance Noonan Hadley, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, the benefits of in-person work "assume that when you go to the office you have a meaningful, socially fulfilling environment.” Unfortunately, not all work environments offer positive experiences.

Despite the chance of isolation, remote work is still largely preferred by Americans. A Gallup poll found that 61% of respondents in remote-capable jobs preferred a hybrid schedule, compared to 33% who prefer all remote work, and 6% who prefer all on-site work. The positive work-life balance is why most people prefer the hybrid model.

Although the Science study is raising alarm bells about the negative impacts of remote work, other studies have shown that remote workers enjoy the highest levels of satisfaction. For instance, a July study in Frontiers in Psychology found that remote workers saw the greatest amount of positive well-being when looking at 7,700 healthcare workers working remotely, with the hybrid model, or in person.

The difference in distress levels was markedly higher for people who lived and worked alone versus those who work remotely but live with others. According to the Science study, this gradient was about twice as large. Researchers found that remote workers who did not interact with others as part of the job did not make up for it by socializing outside of work.

Hadley notes that being out of practice can make it easier for remote workers to avoid social exchanges. It is not unusual for lonely people to shut down completely and avoid future social activities as a defense mechanism.

How to Make the Most Out of In-Person Work

Any remote worker will tell you about all of the perks that come along with this arrangement. But what about the benefits of working at the office? A 2024 KPMG study reported that 86% of CEOS said they are more likely to reward workers who spend more time at the office. This sentiment aligns with the findings of a May study in Social Science Research Network that noted that remote work limits a young worker's future opportunities.

However, it is also important to note that social connection is not a guarantee with in-person work. Many in-person workers simply shut themselves in an office without being intentional about cultivating social relationships. In addition, not all of these relationships are positive. For some people, the social vibe at work is actually more detrimental to their well-being.

The best work cultures come when employees feel validated and valued for their work and what they bring personally to the workplace. This helps to explain why forcing workers to return to the office can lead to negative mental health consequences.

“When leaders impose something that people clearly and vocally do not want, there’s a way that can increase a sense of loneliness,” according to Hadley. She went on to say that it is vital that managers listen to employees and implement social activities and events that are inviting and positive.

Hadley also noted that employees who lack social confidence may require extra support to get them out of their shell. Personal invitations are a great way to reach these workers.

For remote workers who feel lonely, Hadley advises being purposeful about connecting with others even in small ways. Having a quick conversation with the barista or grocery store cashier can fill that social tank and provide a sense of belonging.

Hadley asked a group of her research participants about which work environment provided the most fulfillment. The results demonstrated that shared spaces such as collaborative hubs or coffee shops were the most fulfilling, allowing employees to be themselves without the threat of competition.

It may be up to you to carve out these social connections. This is especially true if you work remotely and live alone.

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore. Ride the wave of what’s next.