by: Jane Wilde
Humor Editor

After Covid-19, the labor force culture has been increasingly shifting from in-person to remote work. While some argue the pandemic has created more efficiency in the workplace by offering Zoom calls and communication online, people must consider that it is detrimental to not only the workplaces efficiency, but the mental well being of employees. Because of this, in-person work should be the default option.

Humans are incredibly social creatures. Even the most casual, commonplace conversations accumulate and make a significant impact on our well-being. That is why face-to-face interactions are imperative to one’s mental health and work performance. According to Science Direct, excessive numbers of remote workdays (more than three days a week) increases the likelihood of loneliness and depression. The percentage of co-workers who feel they know each other personally before Covid was 80%, but it has now dropped to 67%. This is a clear reflection of the isolationism remote work promotes and implements into people’s daily lives.

Our nervous systems love familiarity; they crave routines and structure, whether that means a rigorous work schedule or a simple skincare regiment every night. Research in neuroscience says it gives us something safe and familiar to cling to. Not only does remote work throw off routine, but it fosters an environment of spontaneity that causes stress and unnecessary planning. Instead of the workplace giving you structure, you’re forced to create your own. This directly impacts productivity, collaboration, and efficiency.

In order to thrive as a team, in-person communication is essential. While Zoom can be efficient, the frequent lags and loss of in-person conversations are a gateway for miscommunications and disagreements. A Harvard Business School study concluded that remote work reduced efficiency and lowered camaraderie and understanding between colleagues. Leslie Parrow, a leadership professor at Harvard Business School, wrote, “While technology makes it possible to invite more and different people to virtual meetings, the lack of spontaneous ‘huddle time’—quick post-meeting conversations to process what just happened—can leave some attendees in the dark about nuances and next steps.”

Although there are certain trade-offs you must make when deciding if you want to work remotely, those choices are up to the individual. However, from a wellness standpoint, the trade-offs are not worth the mental consequences. In order to ensure your team is working to their fullest potential, real life communication is necessary. While companies continue to offer hybrid and fully remote jobs, employees should consider choosing in-person work to avoid perpetuating the isolation Covid caused.

(Sources: Harvard Business School, Science Direct)