SKA study published in the top science journal Science last month suggests that remote work is associated with worse mental health, particularly for those living alone. The research analyzed data from five national surveys in the US between 2011 and 2024, excluding the pandemic years of 2020–2021. Nearly 600,000 people were studied, divided into two groups based on whether their jobs allowed remote work. Those working remotely reported higher levels of isolation and poorer mental health compared to those in roles requiring physical presence at work. However, experts emphasize that remote work is not inherently bad and that individual needs must be considered when designing work environments. Organizational psychologist Eva Vavráková highlights the importance of social interaction for mental well-being but cautions against an overly simplistic view that remote work is solely negative.
Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from a scientific study and includes balanced quotes from an expert, avoiding overtly biased language or one-sided sourcing. It acknowledges both potential downsides of remote work and the need for individualized approaches, without favoring any particular perspective.
