After five years of research, experts verify that remote working truly boosts happiness
As the world goes ever more digital, the way we work is shifting fast. Recent findings from a comprehensive five-year study by the University of South Australia show something many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic — remote working wasn’t just a stopgap; it can noticeably improve mental health, productivity and overall quality of life. That has big implications for employees and organisations alike, suggesting that flexibility about where you work isn’t merely a perk but can genuinely change wellbeing.
The commute — a daily slog
The average American commuter spends almost an hour a day travelling to and from work, which adds up to roughly seven hours lost each week. That daily grind takes its toll: long commutes pile on stress, cause fatigue and dent mental wellbeing. Once commuting disappears, people typically get about 30 more minutes of sleep each night, adding up to hundreds of extra hours of rest annually. The difference is obvious: more sleep makes mornings calmer, evenings more relaxed with family, and a general lift in emotional steadiness.
Some participants initially reached for coping mechanisms such as more caffeine or a glass of wine, but the study found that simple remote routines brought lasting improvements in mental health as habits settled in.
Getting time back and living better
Cutting out the commute frees up time for healthier habits. People redistributed those extra minutes across work tasks, family duties and leisure. Being less sedentary during commutes encouraged more physical activity, and being closer to the kitchen nudged many towards cooking fresh meals, favouring fruits, vegetables, and dairy over processed food. That switch wasn’t just about diet; it lifted mood and steadied energy through the day. Some even took to experimenting with new recipes, turning meal times into creative, nourishing moments that boosted balance and vigour.
Choice, autonomy and team life
The study also shows that employees who chose to work remotely reported higher focus and greater job satisfaction than those who were forced into it. Having autonomy over where you work makes a real difference to productivity and job happiness. Still, remote working can make it harder to keep team spirit alive. The spontaneous chats and camaraderie of the office “water cooler” are tricky to recreate online.
Teams tackled this with regular video calls, messaging and informal check-ins like “video coffee breaks”, which helped people stay connected and keep tempers steady. Managers were advised to avoid micromanagement and to lean on trust, clear communication and flexibility instead.
Lasting effects and what’s next
This move towards remote work is reshaping traditional models, pushing for a more flexible, human-centred way of working that supports mental wellbeing, life satisfaction and productivity. For those juggling hybrid schedules, the choices about when and where to work can feel overwhelming but also freeing. The study invites anyone wrestling with work-location questions to rethink what work should look like after the pandemic.
As we move forward, it’s important for organisations and employees to consider these findings and talk about their own journeys. Are you sleeping better? Are your meals healthier? Do you feel the benefits of working from home, or do you struggle to stay connected with colleagues? Sharing these stories can help shape a future where work arrangements serve both business needs and people’s wellbeing.