Remote work lessens burnout, says LinkedIn study
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Remote workers are experiencing lower levels of burnout compared to their onsite and hybrid counterparts, according to new data from LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence survey.
The survey involved 11,622 U.S. professionals between March and May 2024. It revealed that only 36% of remote workers in the U.S. report feeling burned out at their jobs, compared to 42% of hybrid workers and 44% of onsite employees.
The burnout dilemma
Burnout is a significant concern for employers, with potential consequences ranging from job dissatisfaction and absenteeism. Around 38% of American working professionals feel more stressed now than they did a year ago, according to talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half.
One study even linked burnout to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Moreover, 67% percent of Generation Z (Gen Z) and 64% of millennials say they are experiencing moderate to high burnout, compared to just 58% of men, according to the 13th annual Aflac WorkForces Report.
Challenges of remote work
Recent data suggests that fully remote work arrangements come with their own set of challenges.
According to Gallup, remote workers often feel less connected to their company’s mission and purpose. The Pew Research Center found that more than half of workers who work from home at least some of the time struggle to connect with their co-workers.
Other remote workers also experience “home fever” or a feeling of restlessness and being trapped while working from home for extended periods.
The hybrid work model advantage
Hybrid work has emerged as a popular middle ground, offering benefits of both remote and onsite work.
Gallup reports that hybrid work is the preferred schedule for remote-capable teams and ranks highest for employee engagement.
The LinkedIn survey also revealed that hybrid workers are more likely to have at least one close friend at work compared to remote workers.
This social connection could be crucial, as Gallup’s research suggests that workplace friendships can help stave off burnout.
Improving remote work arrangements
Despite these challenges, experts believe there are ways to improve remote work arrangements. Nick Bloom, a Stanford economist and work-from-home expert, told Inc. that the success of remote work ultimately depends on “how well managed it is.”
As companies continue to navigate the evolving landscape of work arrangements, they must weigh the benefits of reduced burnout against the potential costs of decreased connection and engagement.
