Since the pandemic, remote work has become the new normal for millions of employees. But one question keeps coming back: does working from home truly make us happier, or is it just a temporary convenience?
To find answers, an international team of researchers followed more than 10,000 employees over a period of four years. Their conclusion is clear: working remotely improves well-being, mental health, and even job satisfaction.
“We observed a steady improvement in happiness among those who adopted remote work, especially in hybrid models,”
explained Sophie Laurent, a sociologist of work at the University of Geneva.
Why remote work increases happiness
The researchers identified several factors behind this improvement. One of the most obvious is the disappearance of stressful commutes. On average, French employees spend more than an hour each day stuck in traffic or public transport. Regaining that time creates immediate relief and a sense of freedom. Flexibility is another major factor. Remote workers have more control over their schedules, allowing them to organize their day around both professional and personal needs. Parents, in particular, highlighted the ability to spend more time with their children as one of the strongest benefits.
The home environment itself also plays a role. Employees report feeling more comfortable and in control when working in a space they have chosen, rather than one imposed on them. On top of that, remote work reduces costs: less money spent on transportation, lunches, or childcare quickly adds up to significant savings, further reducing stress.
Office versus home: the numbers
The study compared satisfaction levels between three groups. Employees working exclusively on-site reported an average satisfaction score of 6.1 out of 10. Those working entirely remotely rated their satisfaction slightly higher, at 7.3. But the clear winners were hybrid workers, alternating between office and home, who reached a remarkable 7.8.
These results suggest that the balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility is the model that maximizes happiness.
The productivity debate
One of the most persistent criticisms of remote work has been the fear of reduced productivity. Yet the data suggests the opposite. According to the study, 68 percent of employees working from home felt more productive, while only 22 percent reported the contrary.
The reasons are straightforward. Remote workers face fewer unnecessary interruptions, meetings are shorter and more focused, and individuals can tailor their environment to their own rhythm. As one participant, Karim, 38, an IT consultant, put it:
“I finish my tasks faster and finally have time to concentrate on long-term projects.”
Hidden risks of remote work
The researchers also cautioned that remote work is not a universal cure. Some employees reported feelings of social isolation when working exclusively from home. Without casual interactions at the office, relationships with colleagues can weaken. Another risk lies in the difficulty of disconnecting: when home becomes the office, boundaries blur, and some employees end up working longer hours. Ergonomics also present a challenge, since not every household is equipped with proper furniture and setups for healthy posture.
These risks, however, were most pronounced among those working fully remotely, reinforcing the conclusion that hybrid arrangements offer the best of both worlds.
An irreversible shift
The study leaves little doubt: remote work is here to stay. It is reshaping corporate culture and changing what employees expect from their jobs. Companies that have embraced flexible policies report reduced turnover and greater success in attracting younger generations, who value digital environments and personal autonomy.
In fact, by 2023, six out of ten French employees already said they would prefer a job that allowed at least some remote work.
The future of happiness at work
For experts, the real question is no longer whether remote work is good or bad, but rather how it can be organized intelligently. The evidence clearly shows that well-structured remote work does make people happier. The office of tomorrow may no longer be a compulsory space where everyone must go every day, but a chosen place reserved for collaboration, creativity, and human connection.
In short, the science is in: working from home, when managed wisely, doesn’t just make us more productive—it truly makes us happier.
