Remote work can feel isolating for some, but new research finds there could be an unexpected way to remedy it.
Working from home has often been linked to better overall mental health, mostly because of the better work-life balance.
Working with a pet can help remote workers beat the blues. (Photo by Sarah Chai on Pexels)
People have more flexibility to do yoga or go for a scenic walk during the day. And sometimes just being away from water cooler gossip can do wonders for one’s mental state.
But it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Some remote workers have said they find it hard to unplug at the end of the work day, while others said they can feel isolated working at home all day.
A new study by TrustedHousesitters suggests there could be a fairly straightforward way to help with this: your pet!
In fact, their study found that just having a beloved pet nearby could help cut down on remote worker blues in more than 90% of cases.
High instances of loneliness among remote workers
Several surveys have confirmed that feelings of isolation are one of the few pitfalls of remote work.
Remote workers can feel lonely without a pet or family nearby. (Photo by Sam Lion on Pexels)
Some British remote workers described the feeling of working from home as though they are sitting in an abandoned silo just plucking away at their job.
A study from Bright Horizons, a company committed to employer-sponsored childcare, found that more than 40% of remote workers often go days without even leaving the house, let alone speaking to anyone in person.
Around 47% said they only speak to the people in their immediate household, such as family members or roommates.
For people who get these “remote work blues,” hybrid may become a more popular choice since it gives them the opportunity to spend at least a little time in office.
Fluffy to the rescue
Remote workers said their pets help them have better work-life balance. (Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels)
TrustedHousesitters’ study found that remote workers with pets said their fur babies helped them have a more positive experience with:
- Stress
- Loneliness
- Work-life balance
- Health
- Overall lifestyle
Ninety-one percent of remote workers said working near their pets helped them to keep stress levels down. Half of all respondents also said it helped them feel less lonely.
Interestingly, 27% said they appreciate that having a pet helps them have something to talk about with colleagues.
Having a pet also helped remote workers go outside more often, unplug from their job and take regular breaks.
Having to walk away from the computer to take the dog for a walk or play with the cat is much easier done when you work from home, and helps to avoid overworking.
Let’s be perfectly clear: we’re not saying that you should have your cat do your work for you.
But if you can get her to sit somewhere nearby, it might prove helpful for your overall mental health.
Find the latest remote jobs in the UK via RemoteWorker.co.uk.
