Science Study Links 28% U.S. Remote Work Rate to Worse Mental Health
Updated
Updated · Smithsonian Magazine · Jun 12
Science Study Links 28% U.S. Remote Work Rate to Worse Mental Health
3 articles · Updated · Smithsonian Magazine · Jun 12
Summary
More than 500,000 U.S. workers surveyed from 2011 to 2024 showed people in remote-friendly jobs spent about one extra hour alone each workday and reported worse mental health than in-person peers.
The June 4 Science study excluded 2020 and 2021 to isolate remote work from pandemic effects, and estimated the shift to working from home explains about one-third of the rise in nationwide mental distress.
Workers living alone were hit hardest: their increase in days spent alone was 10 times that of workers living with others, alongside higher mental-health care use and more depression and anxiety prescriptions.
The findings come as remote work remains far above pre-pandemic levels—28% of U.S. employees worked remotely in 2023 versus 7% in 2019—even though many workers value the flexibility enough to trade 4% to 10% of pay for it.
Researchers said the study cannot cleanly separate fully remote from hybrid work, now the dominant arrangement, leaving open whether workers may adapt over time or benefit most from having a choice.
Does remote work create loneliness, or does it simply attract those who already feel isolated?
As remote work continues in 2026, are virtual wellness programs enough to solve this mental health crisis?
With remote work's hidden costs now clear, who should pay for employee well-being—companies or individuals?
Remote Work and Mental Health: 83% Increase in Social Isolation Among Solo Workers Spurs Urgent Call for Systemic Solutions
Overview
Recent research shows that the shift to remote work, which grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a significant rise in people working from home. While this change brought flexibility, it also revealed hidden costs: workers are spending more time alone, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and a decline in mental health. These effects are especially severe for those living alone. Experts warn that isolation is directly linked to higher risks of depression and anxiety, highlighting the urgent need for strategies that balance remote work benefits with the essential human need for social connection.