Remote work has changed how we live, work, and think about our jobs. A new global study shows that fully remote employees are the most engaged group in the workforce. They are more into their jobs than anyone else. But they are also more stressed, lonely, and emotionally drained.
This comes from the latest State of the Global Workplace report, which looked at how people across the world feel about their work and life. It turns out remote workers are doing better at their jobs, but not always better in life.
Remote Workers are Leading in Engagement
Globally, 31% of fully remote workers are highly engaged at work. That beats every other setup, hybrid workers and on-site folks alike. For comparison, engagement for hybrid and on-site remote-capable workers sits at 23%, and it drops to just 19% for those who can’t do remote work at all.
Olia / Pexels / Remote workers are doing better than those stuck in fully on-site jobs with no option to work remotely. Only 30% of that group says they are thriving.
That means people working from home care more about their work and feel more connected to it. They are showing up with energy. Why? Because remote work gives them more control.
They can work how they want, when they want. That freedom matters. It helps people focus better, work smarter, and feel more in charge.
But Life Satisfaction Lags Behind
While remote workers love their jobs more, they aren't feeling great about life overall. Just 36% of fully remote workers say they’re thriving in life. That’s less than hybrid and on-site remote-capable workers, both at 42%.
So, while remote work has its downsides, it is still a step up from old-school setups.
The Hidden Stress of Remote Work
Remote workers may love the job, but many are worn out. About 45% of them said they felt a lot of stress the day before being surveyed. That is nearly the same as hybrid workers, but higher than on-site remote-capable (39%) and non-remote-capable workers (38%).
The report says that remote employees are more likely to report feeling angry, sad, or lonely. These paint a picture of workers who are pushing hard and paying a price for it.
Why Remote Workers Feel Drained
Julia / Pexels / Remote workers have to manage their time, space, deadlines, and do it without much physical support.
The report points to a few reasons for the emotional toll. One big one? Isolation. When you are remote, you don’t bump into coworkers in the hall. No quick chats, no shared lunches, no inside jokes. Without these small moments, work can feel like just work.
That is not great for the brain. Humans need connection. Being around others, even just sharing a meal, can lift your mood and improve your well-being. When that is missing, it is easier to feel alone and disconnected, even if you are busy all day.
Remote work gives people freedom, but sometimes, too much freedom becomes a trap. Having full control of your schedule can be stressful.
That pressure adds up. You are juggling meetings, emails, home chores, maybe even kids, and you are doing it all alone. This kind of independence sounds great, but it takes mental energy. That could explain why both remote and hybrid workers report high stress.
Tech Doesn’t Always Help!
Then there is the tech issue. Remote work heavily relies on digital tools—Zoom, Slack, Teams —and it is nonstop. Not every task works well over a screen. If your job involves a lot of back-and-forth or team decisions, doing it remotely can be frustrating.
Plus, remote workers often don’t have the same access to office equipment or fast help from IT. When tech doesn’t work, it can kill your flow. That frustration adds to the stress and drains energy over time.