Remote Work and Mental Health—Is Employment Trend Sparking a Crisis?

Newsweek

2 days ago

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Remote work has surged in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 33 percent of white collar workers being fully remote as of late 2024, according to OnePoll. However, the trend could be fostering a mental health crisis, new research suggests.
A new study from the Headway app found that 56 percent of remote workers go entire weeks without leaving their homes, and one in four do not speak to anyone for days. This has led to concerns over social isolation and even depression for employees who have become used to working all day from their bedroom or home office.
Why It Matters
Nearly all, or 95 percent, of working professionals want some type of remote work, and 63 percent said remote work is the most important aspect of their job, even more than salary, a recent FlexJobs report found.
However, being able to perform your job from your home could have larger consequences for your mental health if it means you're less likely to engage with others and build a social life outside of your own living space.
What To Know
Through a survey of 1,000 remote workers in the United States, Headway found that while over half credited remote work with improving their work-life balance, these gains often came at the expense of productivity and overall well-being.
Only 23 percent of respondents reported consistently working a full eight-hour day. The majority admitted to averaging about six hours of focused work, struggling with motivation, and engaging in non-work activities during scheduled hours.
Notably, 40 percent acknowledged faking activity to deceive monitoring systems, suggesting a struggle to maintain consistent performance outside traditional office settings.
The survey also revealed widespread distractions and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Half of remote workers reported regularly running errands or attending to personal matters during work hours, and 54 percent indicated that they spent more time on household chores than on their job.
Danny Crouch sits in his basement as he works from home in Arlington, Virginia, on May 25, 2023.
Danny Crouch sits in his basement as he works from home in Arlington, Virginia, on May 25, 2023.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images
A lack of routine appears to affect professional standards as well, with a significant portion admitting to skipping daily hygiene routines and holding meetings in unconventional locations, such as beds or vehicles.
Roughly 67 percent admitted that they often skip showering, drawing concerns that this, alongside the lack of social interaction, are signs of remote work's impact on mental health.
"This is seemingly more normal than one might think," Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek. "When working remotely, especially alone, an individual loses the natural structure that comes with leaving the house, such as getting dressed, interacting with co-workers, or doing small things like grabbing coffee or lunch. A routine and structure can help someone feel both motivated and connected."
From a broader employment perspective, FlexJobs' Remote Work Economy Index for Q1 2025 described a dynamic landscape in which remote postings dipped slightly but demand for remote roles—particularly those offering flexibility and financial benefits—remained high.
Nearly 70 percent of workers surveyed by FlexJobs reported changing or considering a career change in the previous year, with remote work being the most important factor for 37 percent of job seekers.
The survey also reflected growing financial pressures: 77 percent of respondents reported considering a job switch for better pay, and a significant number were pursuing side hustles alongside their primary jobs.
This search for balance and income security can reflect deeper mental health issues. According to SHRM, organizations are confronting the downside of remote work: higher reported rates of depression and social isolation.
The flexibility and convenience of remote employment, while valued, can lead to disconnection from co-workers, heightened loneliness, and difficulties in maintaining distinct work-life boundaries. These factors have made it essential for companies to provide robust support structures, such as mental health days, access to counseling, and regular check-ins to combat the growing mental health strain.
Roughly 64 percent of executives reported that remote work had a negative impact on their employees' mental health in 2022. That was an increase from 55 percent the previous year, according to a survey by professional services firm RSM US and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The overlapping research suggests that remote work's impact on mental health is complex.
Many individuals report being able to manage their familial and personal responsibilities better while working from home, but a large segment also experiences fatigue, stress, and feelings of isolation. Employers are increasingly tasked not only with monitoring productivity but also with fostering environments that mitigate the negative health impacts of remote work and sustain employee well-being over the long term.
What People Are Saying
Toni Frana, a career expert manager at FlexJobs, told Newsweek: "Working from home offers people the flexibility and work-life balance they often crave, but without setting intentional boundaries for work time and off time, it's easy to dive right into work when waking up. Then, before you know it, the full workday has passed, and you haven't even left your desk. To avoid potential feelings of isolation that can accompany remote work, being intentional about your work time––and off time!––is critical."
Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor with Thriveworks, told Newsweek: "Things such as skipping showers or going days without social interaction can definitely be a red flag and can speak to a mental health crisis if not addressed. These symptoms can lead to things such as burnout, depression, and feeling disconnected from the world. It is essential to health to have both social connection and daily structure."
What Happens Next
To combat some of the social isolation that can come with remote work, experts urge employees to prioritize interaction with others, even if they're mainly working from their home office all day.
"While the majority of people say a remote job would best support their mental health, it's also important to prioritize interacting with people," Frana said. "Whether that's taking a workout class, volunteering, or having a coffee with a friend, maintaining social interaction when you work remotely is important for your mental health and overall well-being."