Is Remote Work Damaging Your Employees’ Wellbeing?

It goes without saying that working from home can have a significant impact on employees’ wellbeing and sleep. Without a daily commute — even a short one — many employees are waking up later than they used to, which often leads to going to bed later as well.

Remote work can also make it harder to separate work from home life, simply because both take place in the same environment. It’s an adjustment many employees are still navigating, but it doesn’t have to negatively affect them. When remote work is implemented thoughtfully and employees learn how to support their own wellbeing, working from home can be highly successful.

Below, we highlight key findings from a Microsoft study on employee wellbeing during the pandemic, along with ways managers and HR professionals can help reduce work‑from‑home stress.

Microsoft’s Study

One of the top stressors among remote workers was the lack of separation between work and personal life. One‑third of employees reported that this was affecting their wellbeing.

Although many people disliked their daily commute, Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research Shamsi Iqbal notes that “commutes provide blocks of uninterrupted time for mentally transitioning to and from work, an important aspect of wellbeing and productivity.”

Another major stressor was a growing sense of disconnection from co‑workers. Many organizations attempted to bridge this gap using platforms like Zoom to recreate face‑to‑face interactions. However, the study found that in some cases, this actually reduced boundaries between managers and employees. Key findings included:

• A 55% increase in the number of meetings and calls per week

• A 48% increase in ad hoc calls and incoming chats per person

• A 69% increase in Teams chats sent after 5 p.m.

How Can We Reduce These Stressors?

Of those surveyed, 70% said meditation could help reduce work‑related stress. That number rose to 83% among employees managing childcare or homeschooling. You can explore a list of free mindfulness and meditation apps here. Below are some of Guhuza’s tips for creating a healthier work/life balance:

• Maintain your wake‑up and commute routine.

• Even when working from home, try waking up at your usual time. Use your former “commute time” to mentally prepare for the day.

• Get outside for fresh air.

• Whether during lunch or after work, make time to step outside. Fresh air and a change of scenery can help prevent feeling cooped up.

• Eat healthy and exercise.

• Fuel your body with nutritious foods and move daily. This boosts energy, clarity, and focus.

• Connect with employees about non‑work topics.

• Share a funny meme, an interesting article, or host a casual Zoom social. Light, non‑work interactions help maintain connection and break up the day.

• Avoid working after hours and on weekends.

• While occasional exceptions happen, don’t make it a habit. Avoid the “just one more email” mindset — it often leads to more work and less rest.

References:

Microsoft Study

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