After five years of research, experts verify that remote work genuinely boosts happiness
The idea of working from home has changed a lot lately, shifting from a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic to a look at how flexible work might improve our day-to-day lives. A five-year study by researchers at the University of South Australia found that the option to work remotely is linked with better mental health, higher productivity, and an overall improved quality of life. This change in how we work could be more than a short-term fix — it may lead to happier living.
How ditching the daily commute helps
One of the clearest perks of working from home is not having to commute. For the average American, that trip takes nearly an hour each day (around seven hours a week). Without the commute, people reported getting roughly 30 extra minutes of sleep each night — a gain that adds up to hundreds more hours of rest over a year. That extra sleep makes a big difference to well-being; many participants said waking up feeling refreshed completely changed how their day went.
Skipping the commute doesn’t just save time — it also eases stress and tiredness, which often weigh on mental well-being during long journeys. Those negative feelings are replaced by a greater sense of calm, helping people start the day on a better note. The time saved often gets used for things like looking after family and leisure, which supports both physical and mental health.
Small routine changes that make a difference
Switching to remote work brought immediate emotional benefits for many, with participants reporting a noticeable lift in calm. At first, some people turned to more caffeine or a little extra wine to cope with the change. But as routines stabilised, those behaviours petered out, leading to a lasting improvement in mental health.
The time saved also encouraged healthier habits. Breaks from sitting for long periods became easier, and many people took up more physical activity. Being close to the kitchen also nudged some towards better eating choices — more fresh vegetables, fruit and dairy instead of processed junk food — which helped mood and kept energy levels steadier throughout the day.
More control over work boosts satisfaction and output
Remote work has shown that having a say over where and how you work changes job satisfaction and productivity. People who can choose their work location tend to be more focused and happier with their jobs than those who don’t have that choice. That freedom creates a productive environment and improves overall satisfaction at work.
That said, working remotely can make it harder to keep up casual social contact with colleagues. Those little office chats by the water cooler are tricky to recreate online. Ways to get round that include video calls, constant messaging and planned informal catch-ups. Small rituals like “video coffee breaks” help keep teams connected, lower emotional strain and strengthen relationships.
Trust and good communication come first
Managing remote teams works best when trust and clear communication replace micromanagement. Building trust among team members helps maintain productivity and job satisfaction. Regular informal interactions keep the workplace lively and engaging, making sure remote teams stay connected and motivated.
People are increasingly seeing the benefits of remote work as they gain more personal time, adopt healthier habits and build stronger relationships. As society explores flexible working more widely, it’s a chance to rethink how we balance work and life.
Remote work is more than a short-term change — it’s a shift that could markedly improve our lives. Think about your own experience: if skipping the commute has left you calmer, let you cook more, sleep better or feel less stressed, consider sharing your story. Joining the conversation could shed more light on the upsides and challenges of working remotely.