Who Knew? Remote Workers Are Happier Than Cube Laborers
June 6, 2025
To some of us, these findings come as no surprise. The Farmingdale Observer reports, “Scientists Have Been Studying Remote Work for Four Years and Have Reached a Very Clear Conclusion: ‘Working from Home Makes Us Happier’.” Nestled in our own environment, no commuting, comfy clothes—what’s not to like? In case anyone remains unconvinced, researchers at the University of South Australia spent four years studying the effects of working from home. Writer Bob Rubila tells us:
“An Australian study, conducted over four years and starting before the pandemic, has come up with some enlightening conclusions about the impact of working from home. The researchers are unequivocal: this flexibility significantly improves the well-being and happiness of employees, transforming our relationship with work. … Their study, which was unique in that it began before the health crisis, tracked changes in the well-being of Australian workers over a four-year period, offering a unique perspective on the long-term effects of teleworking. The conclusions of this large-scale research highlight that, despite the sometimes contradictory data inherent in the complexity of the subject, offering employees the flexibility to choose to work from home has significant benefits for their physical and mental health.”
Specifically, researchers note remote workers get more sleep, eat better, and have more time for leisure and family activities. The study also contradicts the common fear that working from home means lower productivity. Quite the opposite, it found. As for concerns over losing in-person contact with colleagues, we learn:
“Concerns remain about the impact on team cohesion, social ties at work, and promotion opportunities. Although the connection between colleagues is more difficult to reproduce at a distance, the study tempers these fears by emphasizing the stability, and even improvement, in performance.”
That is a bit of a hedge. On balance, though, remote work seems to be a net positive. An important caveat: The findings are considerably less rosy if working from home was imposed by, say, a pandemic lock-down. Though not all jobs lend themselves to remote work, the researchers assert flexibility is key. The more one’s work situation is tailored to one’s needs and lifestyle, the happier and more productive one will be.
Cynthia Murrell, June 6, 2025
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