A recent survey conducted by BizSpace of over 2,000 UK employees reveals the significant impact of remote work on mental health and work-life boundaries.
As remote work blurs the line between personal and professional life, the findings highlight an urgent need for companies to address mental health support and help employees set healthy work-life boundaries.
Key Statistics:
- 64% of employees report worsened mental health due to remote work.
- 57% frequently work outside designated hours, with 33% feeling “always on.”
- 72% believe mental health support is crucial, yet only 46% feel adequately supported.
- 49% feel isolated while working remotely, with hybrid workers reporting lower isolation rates.
- 61% prefer a hybrid work model, balancing in-office and remote flexibility.
Key Survey Insights:
Mental Health Challenges in Remote Work
The survey shows that 64% of employees feel their mental health has worsened with remote work, citing isolation, lack of structure, and increased screen time as main stressors. Over one-third (33%) reported feeling “always on,” with 45% struggling to disconnect at the end of the workday.
Overtime Becomes the Norm
Remote work appears to extend the workday, with 57% of employees working outside set hours at least twice a week. Among them, 29% said they regularly work overtime due to an “always-on” culture, while 18% find it difficult to switch off due to easy access to work devices at home.
Company Support for Mental Health is Lacking
While 72% of employees feel mental health support is essential, only 46% say their company provides adequate resources. Requested support includes mental health days (54%), flexible hours (48%), and wellness programmes (41%). Younger workers, particularly Gen Z, prioritise mental health resources, with 52% saying they’d favour employers offering these perks.
Work-Life Balance and Family Support Struggles
The lines between work and home are increasingly blurred for remote employees, with 51% struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This is particularly challenging for parents, with 38% of employees with young children facing difficulties balancing responsibilities. Family support perks, such as flexible hours and childcare assistance, are essential for 42% of respondents to achieve balance.
Feelings of Isolation
Remote work has left many feeling disconnected, with 49% reporting a lack of connection to their teams and workplace culture. This isolation impacts motivation, with 35% indicating a decline in engagement and productivity. Hybrid workers, however, feel more connected, with only 27% reporting similar isolation.
The Future of Remote Work: What Employees Want
Looking forward, 61% of respondents expressed a preference for a hybrid model, balancing in-office and remote flexibility. Additionally, 43% believe mental health resources and boundary-setting training would greatly improve work-life balance. As flexibility becomes the norm, 67% of employees foresee workplace culture and support initiatives playing a greater role in job satisfaction and loyalty.
A spokesperson from BizSpace said:
Employers must recognise that flexibility alone is not sufficient; mental health support, boundary-setting, and a sense of connection are essential for creating sustainable and rewarding work environments. Addressing these needs not only helps support employee well-being but also improves retention.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
