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Since the pandemic, more Americans are working from home, and while it has some advantages, like not having to change out of your pajamas or deal with rush hour, there are some unexpected downsides, too. According to a new survey from ResumeBuilder.com of 1,000 U.S. employees, their social and emotional well-being may be taking a hit by not going into the office.
“Some employees struggle to adapt to a fully remote work environment,” explains Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller. “This issue is particularly pronounced among those who began their careers in traditional office settings.”
The poll reveals that 25% of remote workers admit that their social skills have declined since going fully remote.
Since moving to a full-time remote set-up, the biggest things workers struggle with are initiating conversations (18%), maintaining eye contact (16%), and participating in group discussions (15%).
But one in five say their overall mental health has taken a nosedive after working from home, with nearly two-thirds blaming it on a lack of social connection, and 57% citing a growing feeling of isolation.
Of course, not everyone is suffering with the set-up. Working from home has been a positive experience for many respondents, with 38% reporting their mental health has improved and 46% saying theirs has stayed the same.
And even with the drawbacks, most of those who already work from home want to continue to do so. Only four in 10 of those surveyed want to be in the office for at least one day a week and just 4% want to go in all five work days.
