The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in remote and hybrid work arrangements over the past four years. This shift has altered workplace interactions, with employees relying more on digital communication tools. Research indicates that fostering connection and building communities are crucial for supporting employee wellbeing in this new work environment.
The rise of stress and loneliness in remote work
Remote work, despite its flexibility, has introduced challenges related to stress and loneliness. A Nordic survey by IF (2024) found that remote workers report higher levels of negative stress compared to office-based employees. This may be due to unclear expectations in flexible work environments. However, 56% of respondents also reported positive health impacts associated with hybrid work.
In Finland, a study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Suutala et al. 2024) revealed a decline in overall work wellbeing since the pandemic. Employees are experiencing increased uncertainty about their future work lives, contributing to stress. The study also noted an increase in loneliness and work boredom among remote workers.
Navigating connection challenges in hybrid work
Sobel and Reilly (2020) introduced the concept of the “connectivity paradox,” which suggests that increased digital connectivity can paradoxically lead to feelings of isolation. The constant availability required by digital tools can result in a sense of disconnection from work and colleagues.
A Hubspot study (2022) found that 40% of remote workers miss in-person connections with coworkers. Additionally, 49% of in-office workers identified staying connected with colleagues as their biggest challenge when transitioning back to the office. These findings suggest that prioritizing employee experience over location is crucial for maintaining company culture.
Research indicates that employees in hybrid work environments seek both flexibility and connection. An action research project in a Finnish marketing agency revealed that while remote work offers benefits such as reduced commute time and a quieter workspace, there is a strong desire for enhanced internal communication. Remote workers interviewed expressed appreciation for flexibility but also reported longing for social interactions. (Leikas 2024, 51–52)
In conclusion, while hybrid work offers numerous advantages, organizations need to address the challenges of maintaining connection and fostering community to support employee wellbeing effectively. Prioritizing communication and collaboration can lead to a more engaged and satisfied workforce in this evolving work landscape.
Authors
Anniina Leikas is a student at the LAB University of Applied Sciences in a master’s degree program in Business Innovation Creativity and Culture.
Anna-Stiina Myllymäki is a senior lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
Hubspot. 2022. 2022 Hybrid Work Report. Hubspot. Cited 9 Dec 2024. Available at https://www.hubspot.com/hubfs/HubSpot%202022%20Hybrid%20Work%20Report_FINAL.pdf?_ga=2.152841657.1401794823.1667408692-676090677.1667408692&hubs_post=blog.hubspot.com/marketing/workplace-trends-slowing-business-growth&hubs_post-cta=49%25%20of%20U.S.%20workers
IF. 2024. If Nordic Health Report 2024. IF. Cited 9 Dec 2024. Available at https://www.if.fi/globalassets/fi/tietoa-ifista/pdf/if_nordic_health_report_2024.pdf
Leikas, A. 2024. The Importance of Connection and Community for Wellbeing in Hybrid Work. Master’s thesis. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Cited 9 Dec 2024. Available at https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024120432847
picjumbo_com 2015. Juoda kahvia, tehdä työtä. Pixabay. Cited 9 Dec 2024. Available at https://pixabay.com/fi/photos/juoda-kahvia-tehd%C3%A4-ty%C3%B6t%C3%A4-luoda-864958
Sobel, K. & Reilly, R. 2020. The Power of Virtual Distance: A Guide to Productivity and Happiness in the Age of Remote Work. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, Newark. Cited 9 Dec 2024. Available at https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/lab-ebooks/reader.action?docID=6166912
Suutala, S., Kaltiainen, J. & Hakanen, J. 2024. How Finland is doing. Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. Cited 9 Dec 2024. Available at https://www.ttl.fi/tutkimus/hankkeet/miten-suomi-voi
