Did you know that remote work contributes to loneliness and isolation? Although working remotely = flexible hours and autonomy, there are huge disadvantages such as a lack of social interaction. Having social interaction in the workspace is extremely important as it contributes to the well-being of employees. When people are happy in the workplace, they perform better.
Loneliness may be more of a health problem than most people think it is. According to the former Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy, loneliness is a health issue that can have serious consequences, including a potential impact on your lifespan. It’s associated with the effects of obesity and smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day (King, 2017). Social isolation and loneliness are known to increase the risk of premature death by approximately 26%. Additionally, loneliness is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and dementia (OSG, 2023). Nowadays, working from home is normalized, but people aren’t paying attention to the health risks of spending so much time alone. While remote work is helpful in some ways, the risk of mental and physical health issues are heightened due to the lack of social interaction.
Fortunately, there is a solution to the loneliness epidemic caused by remote work: coworking. Studies have shown that coworking can help combat the isolation that often accompanies remote work. In a survey conducted by Emergent Research, it was concluded that coworking spaces are much more than a physical space to work away from home. Coworking memberships strongly enhance work-related networking or professional ties, which in turn reduces loneliness. The results of the survey show that:
- 87% of participants met with other coworking members for social reasons
- 54% reported socializing with other members after work or on weekends
- 89% reported feeling happier since joining a coworking space
- 83% reported feeling less lonely as a result of coworking
- 78% reported that coworking helped them feel more sane
The social aspects of coworking are the reason why the industry has been growing so rapidly. Whether you’re an independent worker or a company employee, coworking has been proven to eliminate the loneliness and isolation often experienced when working remotely.
At TeamWorking by TechNexus, you’ll never be lonely. We understand the importance of social interaction in the workplace. Our community is comprised of entrepreneurs, innovators, executives, and teams who thrive in a collaborative environment. When you join us, you’ll never have to worry about feeling lonely while working. In addition, you’ll still get the desired flexibility and autonomy. Join our community today and experience the benefits of coworking yourself. Don’t let remote work isolate you; choose TeamWorking by TechNexus and stay connected.
Sources:
King, S. (2017, December 28). Coworking Is Not About Workspace – It’s About Feeling Less Lonely. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2017/12/coworking-is-not-about-workspace-its-about-feeling-less-lonely#:~:text=87%25 of respondents report that,since joining a coworking space
King, S. (2015, May 12). Coworking Spaces are Human Spaces. Small Business Labs. https://www.smallbizlabs.com/2015/05/coworking-spaces-are-human-spaces.html
Office of the Surgeon General (OSG). (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. US Department of Health and Human Services.