"Remote work has successfully been marketed as the modern career jackpot, with its flexibility, comfort, pajamas-as-office-wear, and commute-free start to the workday. Many people romanticize it because the term "remote work" conjures images of relaxed mornings, hyper-focused deep work sessions, and perfect work-life harmony in their minds. But for a significant share of workers, the reality of remote work is far less idyllic."
"A 2023 review published in Healthcare documented that prolonged remote work was associated with increased isolation, higher rates of anxiety and depression, reduced job satisfaction, and lower employee engagement. This is because all the big and small social interactions of the office space, like casual conversations, micro-interactions, shared routines, and even passing eye contact, play a huge role in maintaining motivation."
"Remote work strips away these built-in social cues, which can leave certain personality types floating without emotional anchors. People who struggle most tend to be: Extroverts High-empathy individuals Those who gain energy from shared environments Early-career employees who rely on mentorship In other words, if you thrive on social energy, collaboration, casual interactions, and shared problem-solving, remote work might silently be eroding your motivation and sense of belonging."
Remote work is widely marketed as a career jackpot offering flexibility, comfort, casual dress, and no commute. Many people imagine relaxed mornings, concentrated deep work, and ideal work-life balance, but a significant share of workers experience a less idyllic reality. Prolonged remote work is linked to increased isolation, higher anxiety and depression, reduced job satisfaction, and lower employee engagement. Everyday office social interactions—casual conversations, micro-interactions, shared routines, and passing eye contact—support motivation. Removing those built-in social cues can leave extroverts, high-empathy people, those energized by shared environments, and early-career employees feeling disconnected, undervalued, or depressed.
Read at Psychology Today
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