Are Remote Employees Happier?

In recent years, remote work has become increasingly popular. With advancements in technology making it easier than ever for employees to work from anywhere, many are ditching the office in favor of working from home. But does working remotely actually make employees happier? Let's take a look at the evidence.

The rise of remote work has sparked an interesting debate around employee happiness and work-life balance. While some sing the praises of being able to work in their pajamas and avoid a stressful commute, others argue that remote employees miss out on the social interaction and collaboration of being in an office. In this blog post, we'll explore if remote employees really are happier than their in-office counterparts.

There are certainly some appealing perks to working remotely. A recent survey by Owl Labs found that remote workers reported being happy 22% more than those who worked in an office full-time. Remote employees have more flexibility in their schedules, skipping lengthy commutes and having the freedom to take breaks and work during the hours that suit them best. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance. Remote workers also benefit from less distractions than a busy office environment. The comfort of working from home combined with flexibility results in lower stress levels reported by remote employees. According to a Cisco study, remote workers reduced their stress levels by 50%.

However, working remotely also comes with certain disadvantages. Remote employees deal with fewer social interactions during work hours, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Building camaraderie and team spirit can be more challenging virtually than in-person. Collaboration doesn't come as naturally when employees aren't in the same physical space. Remote workers may also struggle to separate their work and personal lives, feeling like they need to be available at all times.

So how can remote employees reap the most benefits while avoiding the common downsides? Here are some tips:

- Set a designated workspace to mentally separate work and personal space

‍- Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, snack, chat with family etc.  

- Overcommunicate with coworkers through chat, video calls etc.

- Seek out social interaction outside of work hours

- Set clear work hours and stick to them

- Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re feeling isolated

Research shows remote employees have higher overall job satisfaction. But remote work requires employees to be proactive about creating separation and human connection. With proper habits, remote employees can enjoy their flexibility while maintaining social ties and collaboration. At the end of the day, it’s about striking the right balance.