A recent survey from BizSpace reveals that remote work is having a notable impact on employees’ mental health and work-life boundaries.
Conducted with over 2,000 UK employees, the survey suggests that as remote work redefines the traditional workplace, companies need to reconsider mental health support and strategies for maintaining work-life balance. The survey sheds light on a range of challenges facing remote employees, from mental health concerns to feelings of isolation.
Mental Health Struggles Linked to Remote Work
BizSpace’s findings reveal that 64% of employees feel their mental health has suffered due to remote work, with many citing isolation, a lack of structure, and extended screen time as contributing factors. Additionally, 33% of employees reported feeling “always on” in the remote environment, and 45% admitted struggling to disconnect at the end of their workday.
Remote work’s impact on mental health is prompting employees to call for more resources, with 72% expressing the need for mental health support in the workplace. However, only 46% feel their current employer provides adequate assistance. Among the resources employees most desire are mental health days (54%), flexible hours (48%), and wellness programmes (41%).
The survey also highlights a trend of employees working beyond standard hours in the remote setting. More than half (57%) report working outside of set hours at least twice per week, while 29% said they regularly work overtime due to a workplace “always-on” culture. Some 18% of respondents noted that the constant access to work devices at home makes it difficult to switch off from work tasks. The findings suggest that while remote work offers flexibility, it has blurred boundaries, leading many employees to experience increased stress and difficulty managing their time.
Limited Workplace Support for Mental Health
Employees have made it clear that remote work flexibility alone does not address all their needs. Although 72% of respondents see mental health support as essential, only 46% feel their employer provides sufficient resources to support their well-being. Younger workers, particularly Gen Z, have a strong focus on mental health, with 52% stating that they would be more inclined to work for employers who offer mental health support. Key supports requested by employees include mental health days, wellness programmes, and flexible scheduling.
The data suggest that workers are prioritising companies that address mental health and well-being concerns, with many seeing these resources as crucial to maintaining job satisfaction and productivity.
Remote work continues to challenge work-life balance, with 51% of respondents saying they struggle to maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life. This issue is more pronounced for parents, with 38% of employees with young children reporting difficulties in balancing family responsibilities with their jobs. Many employees are calling for family support options, such as flexible hours and childcare assistance, with 42% stating that these resources would significantly improve their work-life balance.
Feelings of Isolation Persist Among Remote Workers
The BizSpace survey also indicates that remote work has left many employees feeling disconnected, with 49% reporting isolation from their teams and workplace culture. This disconnection is having a tangible effect on motivation, as 35% of respondents noted a decrease in engagement and productivity due to a lack of workplace connection. Hybrid work arrangements, however, seem to mitigate some of these feelings of isolation, with only 27% of hybrid workers reporting a similar disconnect from their teams.
Looking to the future, 61% of respondents indicated a preference for a hybrid work model that balances in-office presence with remote work flexibility. Nearly half (43%) of employees also believe that workplace resources focused on mental health and boundary-setting training would improve their work-life balance. As flexibility becomes the standard, many workers anticipate that employer support for mental health and well-being will play a larger role in determining their job satisfaction and loyalty.
A BizSpace spokesperson commented on the survey results, stating, “These survey results clearly show the challenges employees face in managing remote work’s impact on mental health and work-life balance. 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. With the upcoming flexible working mandate, companies have an opportunity to strengthen these support systems, making work healthier and more balanced for everyone.”
