Since the inception of assembly lines, a
single work model has not had as much impact on global socioeconomics as the
rise of telecommuting. From workforce equality, to environmental sustainability, to economic development, remote work has unprecedented opportunities to solve global crises… but
it is also fueling a new one.
In the 2019 State of Remote
Work report produced by Buffer, the thousands of remote workers
surveyed rave about the work-life balance, schedule flexibility, and work
performance, that being able to work offsite lends in their lives. However,
when asked about the downsides of location flexibility, 49% of remote workers
note that their biggest struggle is wellness-related. More specifically, 22%
can’t unplug after work, 19% feel lonely and 8% can’t stay motivated.
These statistics could have a number of
subjective influencers, such as the management style of their boss, their local
connection speed, their personality or even which organization tools are used.
However, there is one dominant common thread that can’t be ignored: 84% of all
remote workers are working from a home office.
The ability to work from anywhere has recently
sparked the digital nomad movement in which professionals are able to travel
the world, packing nothing but a laptop to keep them active in a part-time or
full-time job. As glamorous as this might look on social media, the reality is
that most remote workers are anxious to leave the time and distance of
traveling during their commuting days, and instead just clock in from where
they are already at.
Any remote worker will tell you that replacing
suits with slippers is a liberating transition. However, it seems as though the
confining corporate cubicles that we are so anxious to escape may actually be
boosting our behavioral health. Dr. Amy Cirbus, PhD, LMHC, LPC, and Manager of
Clinical Quality at Talkspace,
reports, “ Remote workers often experience symptoms of anxiety
and depression at a higher rate than people commuting into traditional office
spaces. Specifically, they report feelings of isolation
and loneliness and high rates of worry about job performance and stability.
Insomnia and sleep disturbance are common, along with increased fatigue,
irritation, sadness and feelings of disconnection. Remote workers report a lack
of concentration and focus that can compound and exacerbate these mental health
challenges. It can lead to a loss of self-worth and a questioning of one’s
abilities. Combined together, these symptoms can have a significant impact on
job performance, job satisfaction and the efficiency of productive work.”
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