16.06.2025

Is Working From Home Good Or Bad For Our Wellbeing?

Remote working and hybrid work have become a permanent fixture in many workplaces, offering flexibility and freedom that is often lacking in traditional office jobs. For some, it's a welcome change that eliminates long commutes and allows for a better work-life balance. For others, it presents new challenges, such as feelings of isolation and difficulties separating work and personal life.

But how does working from home really impact our wellbeing? This article explores the benefits and challenges of remote work, along with ways you can maintain your wellbeing whilst working from home.

The benefits of working from home

Remote working has caused a fundamental shift in how people approach their jobs, offering a range of benefits that can positively impact wellbeing. From reducing stress levels to improving productivity, working from home can create a healthier work environment when managed effectively.

Improved work-life balance

One of the most widely recognised benefits of working from home is a better work-life balance. Without the commute, employees can reclaim valuable time that would otherwise be spent travelling to and from the office. This extra time can be used for personal activities such as exercise, spending time with family or engaging in hobbies, all of which contribute to overall wellbeing.

In addition, remote work allows for greater flexibility in managing personal responsibilities. Parents, for example, often find it easier to balance childcare with their work commitments when they work from home, which can reduce the stress associated with rigid office hours. This flexibility can lead to a sense of greater control over our daily routines, which can be linked to lower levels of burnout and improved job satisfaction.

Reduced commuting stress

Commuting is often associated with increased stress and reduced wellbeing. Studies have shown that long commutes can contribute to higher blood pressure, anxiety and even decreased life satisfaction. By working from home, employees remove the stress of commuting, which can result in a more relaxed and productive start to the day.

Eliminating a long commute also helps to reduce exposure to pollution and crowded public transport, both of which can negatively impact health. Instead, remote workers can use this time more productively, such as getting extra sleep, preparing a healthy breakfast or exercising before work.

More control over workspace and environment

A well-designed workspace can have a significant impact on productivity and wellbeing. When working from home, employees have the freedom to create an environment that suits their needs, whether that means setting up an ergonomic workstation, adjusting lighting to reduce eye strain, or personalising their space to make it more comfortable and creatively inspiring.

This level of control can also extend to factors such as temperature, noise levels and seating arrangements, which are often difficult to manage in an office setting. For those who struggle with distractions in a busy workplace, being able to tailor their environment can lead to increased concentration and reduced mental fatigue.

Potential for better focus and productivity

Some people assume that working from home has too many distractions, but some employees actually report increased productivity in a remote setting. Without the interruptions of office chatter, unnecessary meetings or workplace noise, people often find they can concentrate better on their tasks.

In addition, remote work allows people to structure their day in a way that aligns with their most productive periods. Some employees work best in the morning, whilst others are more focused in the afternoon or early evening; having the flexibility to work at peak productivity times generally means employees can complete tasks more efficiently.

Plus, remote working can encourage a results-driven approach rather than a focus on "time spent at a desk". This can lead to a greater sense of achievement and motivation, which can contribute to overall job satisfaction as well as wellbeing.

Healthier eating and lifestyle choices

Office environments can sometimes encourage unhealthy habits, such as grabbing fast food during lunch breaks or relying on sugary snacks and caffeine to get through the day. Working from home gives employees more time to prepare nutritious meals, keep hydrated, and take breaks when needed, all of which can contribute to better physical and mental health.

Similarly, the flexibility of remote work can make it easier to incorporate exercise into daily routines. Employees can go for a walk during a break, attend a fitness class, or simply stretch at their desks without feeling self-conscious in a shared office space. Regular movement and better nutrition play a key role in reducing stress, improving concentration and preventing common workplace-related health issues such as back pain & eye strain.

Improved mental health

Without the potential pressures of office politics and the general stress of a busy workplace, many employees experience better mental health when working remotely. Being in a comfortable and familiar setting can help reduce anxiety, particularly for those who struggle with social pressures or sensory overload in an office environment.

Plus, working from home can give employees more opportunities to undertake activities that support mental wellbeing, such as meditation, mindfulness or simply taking breaks when needed. Being able to step away from work to reset can mean people are better able to manage stress, helping to prevent the risk of burnout.

Difficulty separating work and personal life

It can become difficult to establish boundaries between professional and personal time when the home and the workplace are the same physical space. Unlike in a traditional office setting, where the act of commuting creates a natural start and end to the workday, remote employees often find themselves working longer hours or struggling to "switch off" after work.

A survey by the UK's Office for National Statistics found that employees working from home are more likely to work unpaid overtime compared to their office-based counterparts. This increases the risk of burnout, as workers feel pressured to be available outside of normal working hours.

Blurred boundaries between work and personal time can also impact relationships. Employees might find themselves answering work emails late at night or checking in on tasks during weekends, which can encroach on personal time and time spent with loved ones, which can affect people's overall wellbeing.

Potential impact on physical health

Working from home does remove the physical demands of commuting, but it can also contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle. Many employees find themselves sitting for longer periods without walking to meetings, commuting or taking breaks. This lack of movement can lead to issues such as poor posture, back and neck pain, plus an increased risk of musculoskeletal problems.

Another concern is the quality of home office setups. Many employees do not have access to ergonomic office chairs, adjustable desks or properly positioned screens, which can put extra strain on the body. Poor workstation ergonomics can lead to repetitive strain injuries, eye strain from excessive screen time, and long-term posture-related health issues.

In addition, the absence of a structured lunch break in an office environment could lead to unhealthy eating habits. Some remote workers might skip meals, whilst others might snack excessively due to having easy access to food. Without the discipline of a defined work schedule, it can become harder to maintain a healthy routine.

Increased reliance on digital communication

Remote work requires employees to rely heavily on digital communication tools such as email, messaging apps and video calls. While these technologies make it possible to stay connected, they can also introduce new challenges, including "Zoom fatigue", miscommunication and a feeling of being constantly available.

Video calls, in particular, can be mentally exhausting. Research suggests that video conferencing requires more cognitive effort than face-to-face conversations, as individuals must focus more intensely on non-verbal cues while managing technical delays or connectivity issues. So, constant virtual meetings can leave employees feeling drained and reduce productivity.

In addition, written communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Without the benefit of tone, body language or immediate clarification, emails and messages can be misinterpreted, which can lead to confusion and unnecessary stress. In a remote setting, employees can also feel pressure to respond quickly to messages, which can create a sense of being 'always on', contributing to workplace stress.

Distractions at home

Whilst some people find working in an office distracting, working from home presents a range of distractions that aren't typically found in an office. Household chores, deliveries, pets and family responsibilities can all compete for our attention, which can make it difficult to maintain focus. Unlike in an office, where the environment is designed for productivity, home settings often require employees to self-manage their time and limit distractions on their own.

Parents, in particular, might find it challenging to work from home whilst caring for children, especially during school holidays or unexpected closures. Trying to balance professional and parental responsibilities can lead to stress as well as reduced productivity.

Similarly, those who live in shared accommodation may struggle with noise levels or interruptions from housemates who are also working remotely. Without a dedicated workspace, it can be difficult to establish the same level of focus that an office environment provides.

How to maintain wellbeing whilst working from home

Working from home comes with challenges, but there are ways to support both physical and mental wellbeing while staying productive.

Set clear boundaries

Establishing a defined work schedule helps prevent you from working too much and ensure you maintain a clear distinction between professional and personal time. Setting a start and end time for the workday, as well as taking regular breaks, can improve focus and prevent burnout. Establishing a dedicated workspace can also help create a mental separation between work and home life.

Stay active

Without a daily commute or natural office movement, you'll need to incorporate your own physical activity into the day. Stretching, short walks or a home workout can help prevent stiffness and improve overall wellbeing.

Set up an ergonomic workstation

A well-designed workspace can prevent discomfort and improve long-term wellbeing. Make sure you have the right ergonomic tools, such as laptop stands and monitor arms to keep your screen at the correct height, and an ergonomic office chair with adequate lumbar support. If possible, invest in an adjustable standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing, and take regular breaks to stretch and move throughout the day.

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Maintain social connections

Remote work can feel isolating, so it's essential to stay in touch with your colleagues. Regular check-ins, virtual coffee breaks and social video calls can help maintain a sense of connection. Where possible, you can arrange in-person meetups or work from a co-working space occasionally to help combat loneliness.

Manage screen time

Spending hours in virtual meetings or staring at screens can lead to fatigue. You should take breaks from screens, following the 20-20-20 rule (looking away from the screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away), and limit unnecessary video calls to help reduce strain.

Prioritise wellbeing habits

Healthy habits such as a balanced diet, proper hydration and quality sleep contribute to better productivity and mental clarity. Sticking to a routine, planning meals in advance and setting a regular bedtime can help maintain overall wellbeing.

Leitz has a huge range of ergonomic office equipment to support productive and comfortable working both at home and in the office.

You can read more about employee wellbeing below:

How to Create an Effective Employee Wellbeing Strategy

How to Support Good Employee Health and Wellbeing

10 Ways to Create the Best Hybrid Working Environment

And read more about wellbeing at work in our whitepaper – read our blog Wellbeing at Work takes the Centre Stage and download our whitepaper.