Working from bed? Remote workers still face productivity challenges

As benefit managers and business leaders continue to debate and navigate return-to-office mandates, remote work can still be a viable option for workers. But challenges are still persistent for this cohort. 

According to a recent survey by Headway, more than half of respondents reported an improvement in work-life balance while working remotely. Compared to office workers, 57% of remote employees reported sticking to a regular work schedule, and 55% say they spend over six hours per day on focused work, compared to 4.9 hours for those working in the office. 

"In recent years, we have realized working from home is not a temporary thing, but a real way to stay healthy, be productive, and live in balance," Thalia-Maria Tourikis, certified health coach and burnout prevention and recovery expert at Headway app, said in a release. "When people are called back to the office just for a sense of 'normalcy,' it means forgetting everything that experience taught us."  

Despite the benefits, leaders are pushing for RTO: As of early 2025, approximately 34% of U.S. employees work fully in-office, a significant decrease from 62% before the pandemic, according to data from Gallup. An additional 39% operate under hybrid arrangements, while the remaining 27% work fully remotely. 

Read more: Relocation benefits may be the key to a successful RTO mandate

The shift back to the office has had mixed effects on employee well-being. While some workers report improved collaboration and productivity, many experience increased stress and dissatisfaction. Fifty-four percent of employees believe returning to the office negatively impacts their work-life balance, citing longer commutes and less flexibility. Additionally, 20% of employees report decreased motivation in the office compared to working remotely. 

These challenges have led to significant employee turnover. A survey from ResumeBuilder revealed that 80% of companies have lost talent due to RTO policies, and nearly half of workers would consider changing jobs if required to return to full-time in-office work.

"Freedom and flexibility help people work productively," Tourikis said. "Putting everyone back into the old frameworks that used to cause stress and burnout will have serious consequences — not only for the workers but also for the economy."

Isolation and distraction still impact remote workers

However, significant challenges persist for business leaders managing a remote staff or balancing hybrid workers, particularly around productivity, engagement, and social connection. Headway found that more than a quarter of remote workers have taken entire days off without detection, and nearly 40% admitted to faking activity to appear busy. Personal distractions like household chores and errands were cited as common distractions for at-home workers.

Isolation is another growing concern for this cohort: 56% of respondents said they sometimes go an entire week without leaving their homes, and 25% reported a decline in basic social skills, such as initiating conversation or maintaining eye contact. Headway found that 14% of remote workers have even grown to hate certain rooms in their home due to their association with work and looming deadlines. 

Read more: How to invest in the right mental health solutions — while keeping costs low

Over time, these issues have a direct impact on business performance, leading to lower productivity, reduced engagement, and less reliable performance metrics. 

Mental health and well-being benefits are key for all workers

To address these remote work pain points, benefit leaders can play a vital role by reshaping the employee experience to foster both flexibility and accountability. Offering mental health and wellness support — such as virtual therapy, wellness stipends, mindfulness app subscriptions, and EAPs — can help reduce burnout and enhance focus. 

Providing home office and technology stipends ensures employees have ergonomic setups and reliable internet, which minimizes discomfort and tech disruptions. Encouraging flexible work hours with scheduling and time-blocking, and today's tech tools allow employees to work when they are most productive. 

Read more: Setting employees up with the right tech tools to be successful

To combat isolation, organizations should promote virtual collaboration tools and social connection initiatives, including online team-building events and peer recognition programs. Investing in professional development through learning stipends, online courses or coaching programs helps remote workers grow and stay engaged. 

By thoughtfully integrating these benefits, organizations can create a remote work environment that is not only sustainable but also empowers employees to thrive personally and professionally.