The lockdown effect | Is remote work making us more socially anxious?

For many of us, the pandemic was the first time we had worked remotely.

Being a massive adjustment to anyone who hadn’t experienced at-home work, some people craved in-person social interaction and couldn’t wait for the opportunity to get back into the office. While other personalities reported enjoying having extra time in their day, not having to face sweaty commutes, and relishing being in the comfort of their own home.

The pandemic emphasised our differing preferences when it comes to what we want out of a working day. Many employees thrive from work-related social interactions, with people reporting having symptoms of social anxiety – including an awkwardness in conversation, self-consciousness and fear of judgement – upon society opening after lockdown and employers mandating workers go back to the office.

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It’s understandable that not being around people can impact one’s ability to communicate effectively, workers feeling distant and isolated from their colleagues while being at home. But with so many workers stating that the option of flexibility is a condition of their job, can remote work really be making us more socially anxious?