In 2020, the COVID pandemic transformed the way we work. Almost overnight, millions of people began working from home, enjoying new freedoms like flexible schedules, no commute, and the comfort of their own space. For many, home working became the new normal long after lockdowns ended.
As a result, homes changed too. Spare bedrooms became offices, garages were converted, and garden “shoffices” appeared across the country. But while home working brought convenience, it also introduced new challenges.
When researching our coworking space, we spoke to many people whose lives had been shaped by remote work. Some had given up their guest rooms. Others worked from kitchen tables, dining chairs, or makeshift desks. One thing almost everyone mentioned was isolation.
The spontaneous conversations, shared celebrations, and everyday human interactions that came naturally in an office had disappeared. In gaining flexibility, many of us lost something essential: connection.
The Hidden Cost of Working Alone
Research published in Science (June 26) highlights what many remote workers have already experienced. The study found that people working remotely spend significantly more time alone during the working day, and that increased isolation is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
For those living alone, the effects can be particularly severe. Researchers found increases in loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other forms of psychological distress. While technology helps us communicate and collaborate, it can’t fully replace the informal interactions that happen when people share a physical space.
A separate study published in BMJ Public Health (2023) also found links between remote work, increased isolation and poorer mental health outcomes, particularly among people living alone. While many people value the flexibility that remote work provides, the impact on wellbeing can build gradually and may be easy to overlook.
A quick chat while making coffee, a shared laugh, or a casual conversation between meetings may seem insignificant, but these small moments help us feel connected and supported.
Why Coworking Works
Coworking spaces offer the best of both worlds. They provide a professional environment away from home while maintaining the flexibility that remote workers value.
Working alongside other people creates a sense of community and shared purpose. It helps establish clear boundaries between work and home life, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides the social interaction that many of us naturally need—without the pressure of a traditional office.
Finding the Right Balance
Understanding the impact of remote work on mental health is important for workers, employers and policymakers as they shape the future of work.
Most people don’t want to give up the benefits of working from home entirely. Being able to throw on a load of washing between meetings or stay home on a rainy day has its advantages.
But for many, the ideal solution is a mix of both. Spending two or three days each week in a coworking space and the rest working from home provides a healthy balance of flexibility, productivity, and human connection.
It’s enough to break the cycle of isolation while still allowing life to happen, whether that’s a child off school, a vet appointment for the dog, or simply the occasional day working in your pyjamas.
If you’re feeling the effects of isolation or simply want a change of scenery, why not try a day at Whaley Bridge Coworkers? A trial day costs just £5 and could be the first step towards a healthier balance between working from home and working alongside others.
Emanuel, N., Harrington, E. and Pallais, A. (2026) ‘Home alone: Remote work, isolation, and mental health’, Science, 392(6802), 4 June. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aec7671 (Accessed: 20 July 2026).
Moran, M.R., Heller, O., Chun, Y., Shlomo, Y. and Grinstein-Weiss, M. (2023) ‘Examining associations between remote work and anxiety and depression: a longitudinal survey study in Israel’, BMJ Public Health, 1, e000133. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000133 (Accessed: 20 July 2026).