Remote work has become much more common in the United States since the start of the pandemic. In one recent study, researchers examined five surveys covering 2011 to 2024 and more than half a million workers. They compared people in jobs that could be done remotely, such as software and office work, with people in jobs that had to be done in person, such as doctors and chefs. The remote-capable group was more likely to report social isolation and mental distress, and workers who lived alone had the highest distress. Some experts note that remote work can still help working parents and people with disabilities. Others say it can save commuting time and improve daily life. For that reason, they argue that the answer is not a simple return-to-office rule. Employers should instead organize work more carefully and keep social connection in mind.
Remote Work Is Linked to More Isolation
A large study in the United States found that workers in jobs that can be done from home report more social isolation and mental distress than workers in jobs that must be done in person. The effect is strongest for people who live alone. Experts say employers should not respond by forcing everyone back to the office. Instead, they should build work plans that support both focus and social contact.
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