After four years of observing how remote work impacts employees, researchers have reached a conclusion that many suspected: working from home makes people happier. While remote work was thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic, it’s clear now that the shift has had a lasting and positive effect on the well-being of many workers.
A Study That Came at the Perfect Time
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed how we work, especially in office-based jobs. What started as an emergency solution quickly became a long-term option for many. Even before the pandemic, researchers were already studying how remote work affected Australians’ quality of life, and the arrival of COVID-19 provided them with a unique opportunity to expand their findings.
According to the study conducted by the University of South Australia, many workers experienced immediate benefits from working at home. For example, during the first days of lockdown, workers reported getting an extra 30 minutes of sleep each night. I know from personal experience that the time saved by not commuting makes a big difference in how rested I feel each day.
The study’s results, while not entirely surprising, are clear: when employees are given the flexibility to work from home, it can significantly boost their physical and mental health. Although some remote work data may appear contradictory, the overall conclusion is that allowing workers the option to choose where they work benefits their well-being.
A Healthier Lifestyle by Cutting Out Commutes
Before the pandemic, the average Australian spent about 4.5 hours per week commuting to and from work. All that time in transit often took a toll on both physical and mental health. By eliminating the need for a daily commute, remote work gave people the gift of extra time, which many used to sleep more, exercise, or spend time with loved ones.
In fact, 33% of survey participants reported using their newfound free time for leisure activities. As one researcher put it, having more time for leisure allows people to be more physically active and less sedentary. For me, I’ve noticed that on the days I work from home, I can fit in a quick walk or even take care of small chores during breaks, which helps me feel more productive overall.
Interestingly, eating habits also shifted for remote workers. While the convenience of being near the kitchen led to an increase in snacking, the study showed that people also started eating more fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals. It’s a double-edged sword—snacking might go up, but so does the quality of meals.
This trend isn’t unique to Australia. A Spanish survey also found that remote workers gain an additional 10 days of free time per year, which directly contributes to higher happiness levels.
What About Productivity?
One of the biggest concerns employers had during the early days of remote work was productivity. Many feared that without the structure of an office and the presence of supervisors, employees would slack off. There was also concern that remote work would weaken team communication and collaboration.
While it’s understandable to worry about how remote work affects workplace dynamics, studies show that productivity doesn’t decline—in fact, it often improves. Workers who feel trusted and supported by their employers are more likely to perform better at home than they would in the office.
Personally, I’ve found that working from home allows me to get more done without the typical office distractions. Meetings are shorter, and I have more time to focus on tasks. The data supports this: for most employees, remote work either maintains or improves job performance. It turns out that when people are placed in a comfortable environment, they thrive.
Flexibility Is the Key
The real takeaway from this four-year study is that flexibility makes all the difference. Remote work isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but giving employees the option to choose where and how they work creates happier, healthier, and more productive workers. It’s not about forcing everyone to stay home or demanding they come into the office five days a week—it’s about finding the balance that works for each individual.
As we move forward, it’s clear that our approach to work must evolve to accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles. Whether full-time remote, hybrid, or in-office, what matters most is offering flexibility that empowers workers and promotes a better work-life balance.