If you’re experiencing the disadvantages of working from home, it’s time to get outta the house.
Although lots of people have found joy in a flexible, work-from-home lifestyle, others have found themselves thinking, “I don’t like working from home. Now what?” This question is incredibly daunting, considering many organizations have transitioned to totally digital work environments by selling their office space and asking employees to set up shop in their homes.
Gone are the daily water cooler chats, face-to-face meetings and lunch gatherings. In its place are home offices, typically in make-shift office spaces with Zooms, distractions and blurred lines between home and work life.
To say it can get lonely is an understatement. Feelings of isolation caused by working at home can have a severe impact on mental health, and may be one of the biggest disadvantages of working from home.
Working From Home and Mental Health: What’s the Impact?
It’s clear working from home can have some negative impacts on life.
An American Psychiatric Association survey of more than 1,000 remote workers found more than 60% experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness as a result of working from home. Many also reported they felt it was difficult to step away from their work at the end of the day.
Another report released by Microsoft found remote work has proven to make employees feel “socially isolated, guilty and try to overcompensate.” It has also increased irritability, lowered perceived career prospects, and increased emotional exhaustion.
Negative emotions are often compounded by other factors, including who you’re living with, the size of your space, the appearance and organization of your workstation and other lifestyle choices. For instance, your space may be small and bland or cluttered and overwhelming, adding to the adverse feelings.
Is There a Link Between Working From Home and Depression?
Some other studies have found a link between working remotely and depression. A review of 23 studies revealed working from home can lead to stress, depression, fatigue and strain. Contributing factors to such depression include financial concerns, job insecurity, job role ambiguity, exhaustion, burnout, increased distractions, reduced physical activity, longer hours, increased food consumption, multitasking with children and higher workloads. The same research reported that women are more at risk of work-from-home depression than men.
If you are experiencing mental health conditions or depressive symptoms related to working remotely, please seek support from a mental health professional.
Work From Home Alternatives to Boost Mental Health
If you don’t like working from home, feel lonely or believe your working life is contributing negatively to your mental health, there are fantastic alternatives available. One obvious option is switching to an in-office or hybrid job – but that’s easier said than done!
The other more inviting option is to find a remote workspace that’s out of the house. Remember, you can work from anywhere! Switch it up a few days a week and work from a coworking space like VIDA, a coffee shop or outdoor area.
That said, a coworking space will be the most convenient space that’s also the most conducive to productivity. A shared workspace gives you all the advantages of an office with the flexibility of remote work. You can come and go as you please, sit at a dedicated desk (either in a shared space or in a private office), meet like-minded professionals, hit the gym or a fitness class, and even hold client meetings in a conference room.
Overall, coworking space provides a host of mental health and lifestyle benefits, including improved socialization, increased productivity, access to networking opportunities, better work-life balance and so much more.
If you’re based in the Portland, OR, area and are interested in leaving your home office behind, contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our available office rentals or dedicated desks.