A new study by has highlighted how remote and hybrid working have influenced social connections across the UK. The research, based on a survey of 10,000 adults, shows a significant in how people feel about their home, family and local area.
The Belonging Barometer found that 50% of respondents feel more connected to their home since working remotely, whether fully or in a hybrid model. Over a third (35%) feel closer to their local area, while 41% report stronger connections with family and 29% with friends. These findings suggest that remote working has played a role in strengthening personal relationships and local ties.
However, the study also found that workplace connections have declined. Three in ten people feel more isolated from colleagues since working remotely. The impact is more pronounced among middle-aged workers, with only 16% of those aged 45-54 feeling closer to their colleagues compared to 35% of younger workers aged 18-24.
Regional and Generational Variations in Remote Work Impact
Hybrid workers were found to feel more connected to their local area than those working fully remotely or entirely on-site. Among hybrid workers, 60% reported strong ties to their neighbourhood, compared to 52% of both remote and on-site workers.
The survey also revealed regional differences in how remote work has shaped social connections. In London, 44% of workers feel more connected to their local area, compared to just 25% in Northern Ireland. The West Midlands saw the highest increase in family connection, with 48% of people feeling closer to their family since remote working, while Wales reported the lowest at 33%.
Younger workers, particularly those aged 25-34, reported the strongest sense of connection through remote work. Among this group, 42% felt closer to friends while working from home, compared to just 15% of those aged 55-64.
Impact on Workplace Belonging and Social Bonds
Despite the positive impact on home and community ties, the study suggests that remote work has weakened professional relationships. Kim Samuel, Founder of the Belonging Forum and Author of On Belonging: Finding Connection in an Age of Isolation, noted that younger generations appear to have adjusted better to remote work, particularly when it comes to workplace connection.
“Millennials who work from home are more than twice as likely to feel connected to their colleagues compared to Gen X,” said Samuel. “Is this because a digital generation is more adaptable to a digital way of working?”
However, the findings also highlight gender differences. Young men aged 18-34 who work remotely or in a hybrid model report feeling more connected to colleagues than young women. This suggests that some groups face additional challenges in maintaining workplace belonging in a remote setting.
A Changing Social Landscape
Samuel described the shift in work and social life as significant, emphasising that remote work is reshaping how people connect with their communities, families and colleagues. “This represents a seismic shift in the fabric of our society, and we must ensure that everyone—regardless of age or income—experiences the benefits and can truly belong,” she said.
The insights from the 2025 Belonging Barometer will contribute to a new Charter for Belonging, an initiative aimed at establishing best practices to combat social isolation and strengthen belonging at individual, community and systemic levels. As remote and hybrid work continue to evolve, the challenge remains in balancing professional and personal connections to ensure a more inclusive future of work.
