As the rise of remote work continues to reshape professional life, a growing body of research is revealing a troubling side effect: isolation. According to new data from the Headway app, a platform that offers book summaries and personal development tools, over half of remote workers—56%—report going entire weeks without stepping outside. Even more striking, one in four go days without a single face-to-face interaction.
This research arrives during Mental Health Awareness Month and underscores a growing concern about the social consequences of working from home. While remote work offers undeniable perks—flexibility, autonomy, and better work-life balance—it also risks cutting people off from the kind of daily social contact that supports emotional well-being.
To help remote workers reconnect, Headway turned to Thalia-Maria Tourikis, a certified health coach and expert in burnout prevention. She shared practical strategies for staying grounded and socially engaged while working remotely:
Create a ‘Virtual Office’
Instead of working solo every day, Thalia recommends hosting virtual coworking sessions. “Can’t make it into the office? Bring it to your home,” she says. By blocking off time to hop on a video call with coworkers or friends—without an agenda—remote workers can simulate the experience of sharing a workspace. “It’s like sitting across from someone at work. You’ll chat occasionally, stay focused, and maybe even enjoy your evenings more.”
Change Your Scenery
One of the hidden challenges of remote work is monotony. “A routine that starts and ends within a few steps of your bed can quickly become stifling,” Thalia warns. To add some variety, she suggests working from a local café, library, or even a park. “You don’t have to talk to anyone—just being around people can lift your mood and help you feel more connected.”
Use Your Voice
Digital communication may keep remote teams running, but it’s often emotionally flat. Thalia proposes a simple shift: “Swap text messages for voice notes. Even short audio messages can help humanize your communication, adding warmth and personality that’s often lost in typed messages.”
Volunteer Your Time
Lastly, Thalia encourages remote workers to make use of their flexible schedules by giving back. Whether it’s building a website for a local charity or helping a non-profit with their social media, volunteering provides a sense of purpose—and a way to meet new people. “Doing good for others is one of the best ways to boost your own mental health,” she says.
As remote work becomes more entrenched in modern life, finding ways to maintain meaningful human connections will be crucial. With a few intentional changes, the home office doesn’t have to be a lonely one.
