People in on-site work experience more stress and physical discomfort than those in remote work

"Many people who work from home experience a lack of informal, daily interactions — those small moments by the coffee machine or in the hallways — which are crucial for social connection and employee well-being," says Thamar Melanie Heijstra, Professor at the Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology, and Folkloristics at the University of Iceland. She is currently researching how different working conditions — on-site work, remote work, and hybrid arrangements — affect employees' well-being and health.

"The aim of the study is to shed light on people’s experiences with different work setups, identifying both strengths and weaknesses, to deepen our understanding of what fosters well-being at work," Thamar explains about the project's origins and goals. Preliminary findings show that each arrangement has its pros and cons.

Few Studies on the New Work Culture

In recent years, there has been a steady trend toward greater flexibility at work, largely due to rapid technological advancements, increased possibilities for working independently of location and time, and changing employee expectations.
"Remote work and flexible work arrangements had been discussed and practised to some extent before, but demand increased rapidly as technology made such setups more accessible and feasible for more jobs. However, few studies have focused specifically on how this new work culture affects employee health and well-being," says Thamar, who has a strong interest in working conditions and work arrangements across different professions, especially concerning health, well-being, and gender equality. "I have a particular interest in the academic work environment, but I’ve also explored other professions and how work environments affect people."

The Study Included 620 Individuals

The study is primarily based on a questionnaire distributed in the summer of 2024 to institutions and companies in Iceland where remote work was believed to be part of the daily setup.

"A total of 620 individuals responded, and to deepen our understanding of the results, we also conducted ten qualitative interviews with participants interested in sharing their experiences in more detail," Thamar explains.

In addition to Thamar, the research team includes Guðbjörg Linda Rafnsdóttir, Professor at the Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology, and Folkloristics, and Ýr Örlygsdóttir, who holds a BA in Sociology. "Guðbjörg Linda and I developed the questionnaire and interview framework, while Ýr, who is now pursuing graduate studies in Sociology at the University of Chicago, mainly handled outreach to companies and institutions to find employees engaged in remote work," says Thamar. Ýr also managed most of the data collection, both qualitative and quantitative, while Thamar is responsible for the data analysis.

Support from Employers and Colleagues Is Crucial

Preliminary results indicate that participants are generally satisfied with their work setup. About 35% worked entirely on-site, 11% worked fully remotely, and 54% had a hybrid arrangement. Among those with a hybrid setup, 55% said the main advantage was increased flexibility, 38% mentioned better focus, 36% cited higher efficiency, and 21% highlighted more time for personal life and family. Regarding workplace well-being, having the option to work partly remotely positively impacted employee health and well-being. However, other factors, such as support from employers and colleagues, were also crucial.

As previously mentioned, the findings show that each work arrangement has both advantages and disadvantages. "Employees in hybrid work arrangements show the highest job satisfaction but also experience the most work-life conflict. Those who work exclusively remotely enjoy greater freedom and independence and experience fewer work interruptions. Still, they also report higher levels of social isolation — although this did not have a significant negative effect on their mental well-being. On-site workers experience the most social interaction and connection but also report higher work-related stress and physical discomfort," says Thamar.

Remote Workers Often Feel Left Out

The study will provide valuable insights into the diverse effects different work setups have on employee well-being and health. The results can also help create work environments that promote better health and well-being, regardless of where and how people work.

"The study highlights that remote employees are often invisible within organisations and require special attention to ensure equal treatment and support. At the same time, the physical and mental well-being of on-site workers — who experience higher stress — must be addressed. Employees in hybrid arrangements also face the challenge of navigating two very different realities," Thamar explains.

She emphasises the importance of viewing work arrangements as part of overall employee well-being. "Working conditions significantly impact people's health and well-being, but have different effects depending on the work setup. Remote workers are often a hidden group, both within organisations and in society at large. They don't always receive all the information, feel less included, and sometimes experience being sidelined. These are crucial insights for building workplaces where employees feel good, no matter their work arrangement."