Working remotely can hurt people's mental health, research finds
Summary
New research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that working remotely can increase feelings of loneliness and harm mental health. While many workers like the flexibility of remote work, spending more time alone can lead to more use of mental health services and medications.Key Facts
- The share of U.S. workers doing remote work rose from 7% in 2019 to 28% in 2023.
- Remote workers spend 58% more time alone compared to those working in offices.
- Some remote workers may go entire days without any human contact.
- People working remotely often do not increase socializing outside of work to make up for this isolation.
- Those living alone and working remotely experience even more isolation.
- Remote work is linked to higher visits to mental health professionals and more use of psychiatric medications.
- There was no similar increase in use of other medications, such as those for high cholesterol.
- The rise in remote work and related isolation contributed to increased mental distress in the U.S. after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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