Remote work linked to increased loneliness in Finland, says research professor Jari Hakanen

Remote work is linked to an increase in loneliness, according to Jari Hakanen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. On the topic of workplace well-being, Elina Pylkkänen, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, also spoke during Yle’s morning programs.

While remote work can alleviate workloads and help save time by eliminating commutes, Hakanen warns that it may have more negative impacts. “Connections to your work community and perhaps even to work objectives can weaken when you’re working solely through a laptop,” he stated.

The latest research from the Finnish Institute indicates that remote work is also associated with feelings of boredom at work. Interestingly, the figures for work-related burnout among employees under 36 are nearly identical to those of their older counterparts.

Burnout is described as a syndrome resulting from prolonged work stress, characterized by chronic fatigue and emotional detachment from work. Pylkkänen attributes this phenomenon to the high expectations that young people set for themselves in the workplace, which can begin during secondary education and continue into their professional lives.

Hakanen observes a rise in mental health and burnout issues among young people, including students, noting that the increased prevalence of remote work has made it more difficult for young workers to integrate into professional environments.

He recommends a balance between remote work and in-person office attendance, emphasizing the refreshing impact of coworker interactions and collaboration. Hakanen underscores the importance of discussing the future of work, stating that young people are needed in the workforce and should be encouraged to seek support from their older colleagues. “The future belongs to the youth,” he concludes.