Remote work has transitioned from a niche perk to a standard option. In 2023, about 20% of Canadian workers usually worked from home for most of their hours, marking an increase from 7.1% in 2016 and a peak of around 40% during the first COVID-19 wave. As this trend continues to grow, many are questioning whether working from home is truly better for their health.
While remote work offers flexibility and eliminates commute-related stress, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Finding a healthy balance and establishing a routine are key to ensuring that working from home is beneficial for one’s overall well-being.
The Upside: Control, Balance, and Well-Being
Working from home lets you create a schedule that fits your natural energy levels and personal life, which helps you be more productive and feel better overall. Without the daily commute, you save time and money that you can spend on things that actually matter to you.
The numbers back this up, too—90% of remote workers say they’re just as productive or even more productive than when they worked in an office, and 41% report getting more done in general. It’s a simple equation: less stress, more flexibility, and better results.
The Downside: Isolation, Burnout, and Blurred Boundaries
Remote work can present significant challenges for mental health, particularly for individuals who thrive on in-person interaction with colleagues. A common concern is the sense of isolation and disconnection from others, which, if unaddressed, may lead to more serious issues such as depression or anxiety.
Additionally, working from home often blurs the boundaries between personal and professional spaces. While this arrangement offers convenience, it can also make it difficult to disengage from work responsibilities, potentially resulting in longer working hours due to the absence of a clear separation between “work time” and “personal time. Without a physical office, people may feel expected to be always available, leading to more stress.
In traditional office settings, employees benefit from immediate access to technical support, appropriate equipment, and opportunities for spontaneous collaboration. By contrast, remote workers may experience heightened stress when facing challenges or seeking assistance, as solutions and support are not always readily accessible.
In-Office vs. Remote Work: Evaluating the Healthier Option
While some companies are recalling employees for easier management and daily face time, the question remains: do Canadian minds truly excel with in-person interaction? Among new teleworkers, approximately 80% expressed a preference for working from home at least half the time, with 39% opting for remote work for most or all of their hours, while only 20% wanted a complete return to the office.
However, the support from employers for mental well-being is crucial. Organizations with strong mental health programs show that employees are twice as likely to avoid burning out or experiencing depression, regardless of where they work. This highlights the positive impact of supportive workplace initiatives.
Here are some practical tips to help you protect your mental health while working from home:
- Move Every Hour (at least!): Place your printer or files a few steps away, and set a timer to stand, stretch, or walk in place once each hour.
- Eat Well—Away from the Desk: Prep balanced meals ahead of time and take a proper lunch break in another room to reset your mind.
- Change Work Zones: Switch between your kitchen table, a spare bedroom, or even the porch to boost creativity and break monotony.
- Dress for Success: Shower and put on “work clothes” to signal your brain it’s focus time.
- Prioritize Routine and Hygiene: Stick to morning rituals—shower, brush your teeth, make your bed—to draw a clear line between home life and work mode.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a refillable water bottle at your desk and aim for about eight cups a day, adjusting for caffeine and exercise.
How MYOB Supports Your Well-Being
As small business owners ourselves, we recognize the specific pressures that others encounter. Our administrative, bookkeeping, and social media services free up your time and mental energy so you can focus on the parts of your business—and life—that matter most. By streamlining your back-office work, we can help you reclaim hours each week for movement, breaks, and real human connection.
Over to You!
Working from home can be a double-edged sword: flexibility and productivity gains on one side, and isolation or burnout on the other. By actively incorporating movement, setting up boundaries, and caring for both your body and mind, you can prioritize your overall health. Are you ready to make remote work truly work for you? Let’s chat!