Why Remote Work Feels Freeing—But Also Kind of Lonely

Writing this article on a Friday feels a bit funny, especially as someone who has worked fully remote for the last five years. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still excited it’s Friday. But the familiar buzz of office culture doesn’t hit the same when the only outfit change I’ll make is from casual clothes to pajamas.

There’s no discussion about remote work without acknowledging the global catalyst that propelled it into the spotlight: COVID-19. The pandemic fundamentally reshaped how companies and employees think about work, offering an unprecedented opportunity to test a model that was once reserved for freelancers and startups. 

For many, the shift to working from home felt like liberation—freedom from long commutes, rigid schedules, and the stress of office attire.

But as we navigate a post-pandemic world, the debate between remote work, hybrid work, and in-office models is far from over. Each comes with its pros and cons, and understanding them is essential for employees and employers alike as they shape the future of work.

Is Remote Work Better?

Remote work, often marketed as the dream lifestyle, comes with clear benefits: No more early wake-ups to catch the bus or train, no last-minute panic about office-appropriate outfits and staying late at work doesn't feel as heavy when you're already home. Your pets are also definitely happier.

From a project management perspective, remote work seemed ideal. Deadlines could be juggled with personal errands. Distractions were minimal—no overheard conversations or long bathroom lines. As an introvert, it felt like a dream.

But over time, something began to shift. The isolation crept in. I found myself missing those casual conversations near the watercooler, inside jokes shared in the hallway and lunch breaks with my colleagues.

What was once freedom started feeling like isolation.

According to Buffer’s State of Remote Work report, 20% of remote workers cite loneliness as their biggest struggle. And it’s more than just a feeling—it can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially when the boundaries between work and life begin to blur.

How Remote Work is Changing Social Behavior

One of the less-discussed effects of long-term remote work is how it shapes our social skills and behavior.

We’ve become more accustomed to digital interactions. It's easier to reply to a message than to face confrontation in real life. It’s convenient to turn off the camera and collect your thoughts before responding. But in extreme cases, this can lead to emotional disconnection, even dehumanization, in the workplace.

Physical meetings and spontaneous conversations are being replaced by scheduled calls and Slack threads. As a result:

• Office etiquette is fading
  
  
• Social anxiety is increasing
  
  
• People are less likely to engage in unexpected or uncomfortable situations
  
  
• Motivation and empathy may decrease
  
  
• Overconsumption of content replaces real-world experiences

We're unintentionally creating a world where being alone in your room all day is not only normal but preferred. And that can have long-term consequences on both mental health and interpersonal skills.

Remote Work Productivity vs. Burnout

From a productivity standpoint, remote jobs can be powerful. A Stanford study found that remote employees are 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts. This is largely due to fewer distractions, the ability to create a personalized workspace and flexible scheduling.

However, other sources showed that 38% of remote employees experience burnout, and 86% report high levels of exhaustion. Why? Because remote work can easily turn into “always-on” work. Without a physical office to leave, people often overwork themselves, especially if they feel they must prove they’re being productive.

It’s the paradox of flexibility: you're free to manage your own time, but that freedom can come with the pressure to always be available.

Is In-Office Work Necessary?

After years of remote-first models, many companies are pushing for a return to the office. Why? Because in-person collaboration still has undeniable advantages:

• Organic team bonding
  
  
• Easier brainstorming and communication
  
  
• Mentorship opportunities
  
  
• Clear boundaries between work and personal life

For those who thrive in social environments or early in their careers, in-office jobs can be vital for development and networking. Office routines offer structure, and sometimes structure is what helps us thrive.

But not everyone is eager to return. Commuting stress, rigid schedules, and the loss of personal time are major reasons why many employees resist returning full-time.

The Hybrid Work Model

So what about a hybrid work model? A combination of remote and in-office work. It promises to offer the best of both worlds: flexibility without sacrificing social interaction.

In theory, hybrid work should reduce feelings of isolation while maintaining higher productivity and allowing in-person collaboration when needed. Overall, it should offer a better work-life balance

In practice, though, hybrid models can be tricky. Without clear policies, employees may feel disconnected or unsure about expectations. Team cohesion can suffer if in-office days aren’t synchronized. It can also create inequality if some employees are more visible than others simply because they show up to the office more often.

Still, many companies are adopting this model as the future of work, combining the autonomy of remote work with the collaboration of in-office culture.

Should You Do Remote or In-Office Work?

The truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing between remote, hybrid, or in-office work depends on personal preferences, job requirements, and company culture.

Remote Work is Ideal For:

• Independent, self-motivated workers
  
  
• Those with long commutes or caregiving responsibilities
  
  
• People in roles with minimal team collaboration
  
  
• Employees seeking a better work-life balance
  

In-Office Work is Ideal For:

• Roles that rely on spontaneous collaboration or mentorship
  
  
• Early-career professionals
  
  
• Those who struggle with isolation
  
  
• Teams working on sensitive or complex projects

Hybrid Work is Ideal For:

• Employees who want flexibility but miss social interaction
  
  
• Teams who can schedule regular in-person days
  
  
• Companies that want to retain talent while maintaining culture

Final Thoughts

While this piece started off reflecting the challenges of remote work, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the positives. I’ve been able to spend more time with loved ones, reclaim hours of my day, and design a workflow that suits me.

The key, moving forward, is balance. Employers should prioritize mental health, clear communication, and flexible policies, all while setting boundaries and staying connected.

We’re in the middle of a global shift in work culture. Whether you prefer to work in pajamas, in an office, or a bit of both—what matters most is that your work environment helps you do your best work while staying well.