Since the onset of the pandemic, remote work has remained popular among employees, though some believe it has drawbacks—including interpersonal and mental health challenges. A recent survey from Resume Builder finds that one in four remote employees say working from home has led to a decline in their social skills. These workers now struggle more with feeling self-conscious, making small talk, and maintaining eye contact, according to the research.
Additionally, seven in 10 remote workers rarely work outside of their home, such as in co-working spaces or coffee shops. One in five remote workers report a subsequent decline in their mental health, largely due to isolation and lack of social connection. Most remote workers don’t feel connected to their co-workers or broader community. Even more, four in 10 would prefer to work in person at least once per week.
According to the findings, 25% of remote workers report their social abilities have significantly (3%) or somewhat (22%) declined since transitioning to fully remote work. On the other hand, 63% say there has been no impact, while 13% believe their social skills have improved.
Certain groups appear to be more affected than others. Millennials are the most likely to note a decline in their social skills, with 28% reporting this sentiment. Additionally, people who are newer to remote work and those living alone are also more likely to experience diminished social abilities.
“To address these challenges, human resource teams and managers must proactively engage with their workforce,” says Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at Resume Builder. “Open and consistent communication is essential, as is the implementation of coaching and training programs to help employees better navigate remote work. By fostering a supportive environment, organizations can mitigate feelings of isolation and equip their teams with the tools needed to succeed in a remote setting.”
Remote work is significantly limiting the frequency with which people leave their homes. Many remote workers either rarely (33%) or never (36%) work outside their home. This trend isn’t confined to work-related activities. One in five remote workers (20%) report they don’t leave their home more than once a week for non-work-related purposes. Notably, 3% say they rarely or never leave home for any activities.
Even when remote workers do leave their homes, many are not engaging in meaningful interactions. Over a quarter (27%) percent admit they aren’t having conversations with people outside their home more than once a week, a pattern equally common among those who live alone.
“Ultimately, there is no universal solution,” Haller says. “Employees are discovering what work model suits them best, while organizations adapt to offer options that align with diverse preferences. As the workplace evolves, hybrid models have become a common middle ground, meeting the needs of many employees and providing the flexibility to balance productivity and connection.”
