Working at Home: A Cause of Social Anxiety
Working at home feels like a relief. No long commutes. No wasted time getting ready for the office. But for some, it’s not all comfort. It can turn into a quiet struggle with loneliness and self-doubt. The isolation can slowly take a toll on mental health.
After the pandemic, remote work became the norm. People realized it saves time, money, and energy. It’s convenient, but it has its downsides. For many, working from home makes social anxiety worse. This is a problem that deserves more attention.
Social anxiety is usually linked to fear or discomfort in social settings, like public speaking, face-to-face meetings, or personal interactions. In a remote work setting, it takes on new forms. It can come from being on camera during video calls or from overanalyzing the tone and intent of written messages.
Social Anxiety in Working at Home
Uncertainty about performance or how colleagues perceive you can lead to overthinking, which often triggers social anxiety. The lack of face-to-face interaction adds to this. Without enough human connection, you may start to feel disconnected and excluded, which can create a sense of alienation.
A recent survey found that remote workers report experiencing loneliness 98% more often than office workers and 179% more frequently than hybrid workers. Additionally, research on “Zoom fatigue” highlights how constant video calls can cause stress and anxiety, leading to heightened self-consciousness about appearance, environment, and speech. This persistent self-monitoring can trigger or worsen anxiety.
Actions You Can Take
Establish a routine and stick to a well-structured daily schedule to separate work from personal life. During your off-hours, focus on non-work-related activities. For example, take time to walk outside and interact with others in person. These small steps can help you reconnect with the world and avoid common triggers of social anxiety.
Use video calls effectively by setting healthy boundaries for virtual meetings. Limit unnecessary calls and establish clear expectations with your team. Take a few moments to mentally prepare before meetings to help reduce anxiety. Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or counseling—there’s no shame in getting the support you need.
Working from home can be a great choice, but it also carries potential risks for your mental health if not managed properly. Social anxiety among remote workers is real and has different dimensions compared to the traditional office setting. Being aware of it and taking proactive steps can help both individuals and employers address the issue effectively.
The world is moving so fast that sometimes it’s hard to keep up but remember, that’s completely normal. Let’s stay aware and encourage fellow remote workers to prioritize their mental health, and share this message with others. We should also support those remote workers we know who might be struggling.
We can overcome social anxiety while working from home with the right tools and support. Always remember it’s okay to ask for help.
