NEW YORK — A new study published in the journal Science indicated that remote workers experienced increased isolation and mental health challenges compared to workers in non-remotable jobs. Natalia Emanuel, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was the main author of this study.
The researchers analyzed data from five large national surveys of American workers. Workers in remotable jobs experienced a 58 percent increase in hours spent alone during the workday and a 72 percent increase in the likelihood of spending an entire day without human contact. Remote workers also reported a decrease in time spent with friends after the workday relative to workers in non-remotable occupations.
Remote workers showed increased symptoms of emotional distress based on standardized questionnaires regarding anxiety and depression. They also had increased visits to mental health care providers and higher usage of prescription psychiatric medications. Emanuel noted the desire for remote work, stating, "So there is a great desire for remote work."
The study also found that remote workers who live alone experienced an 83 percent increase in the likelihood of spending days with no social contact. The increase in mental distress was nearly twice as large for remote workers living alone compared to those living with family. Emanuel described some findings as reflecting "Just no human contact at all."
Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business not involved in the study, questioned the broader impact of remote work. He added that the effects of work-from-home arrangements are not always clear, stating, "Everybody wants to know how is that changing things? And usually the answer is we can't really tell."
Epley also commented on the physical effects of prolonged solitude. "Being alone compromises your immune system functioning, your cardiovascular system functioning." Epley said.