Remote Work Linked to Poorer Mental Health, Slovak Researcher Warns

Working remotely is associated with worse mental health outcomes, according to new research findings highlighted by Slovak scientists — though experts caution this does not mean everyone must return to the office. The key issue identified is a deficit of quality social contact, which can contribute to professional burnout over time. Researchers emphasize that the solution lies not in a blanket return to physical workplaces, but in tailoring work arrangements to individual needs and redesigning both jobs and work environments to better support employee wellbeing. The findings reflect a broader global debate about the long-term effects of remote work, which became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained common in many sectors across Slovakia and Europe.