The hidden costs of working from home (WFH) are becoming clearer, particularly for Britain’s youngest employees. A new study from Bupa index has revealed that nearly 40% of UK workers aged between 16 and 24 report feeling socially isolated while working remotely — a figure notably higher than the national workforce average.
The findings shed light on a growing concern that the flexibility of working from home (WFH), while popular, is eroding the social connections that many young employees need at the start of their careers. For some, the absence of face-to-face contact has become so significant that they are now actively seeking roles that bring them back into shared physical workplaces.
This comes after previous research highlighted by The Workers Union in January, which showed remote work was already cutting daily activity levels among young adults by an average of 32 minutes.
Why Gen Z workers are struggling with WFH loneliness
For many employees, the appeal of remote work lies in convenience, flexibility, and the freedom to design personal workspaces. However, the Bupa Index makes clear that these advantages come with drawbacks.
The survey reveals that 38% of young workers feel isolated compared with just 24% of the wider workforce. A major factor is that many Gen Z employees began their professional lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, missing out on traditional workplace experiences such as lunch breaks, after-work networking, and informal mentoring. These seemingly minor interactions often lay the foundations for long-term professional growth.
Nearly 45% of young workers are considering quitting and looking for new jobs that offer more social interaction, compared with only 27% of the general workforce. The appetite for shared working environments suggests that younger employees are re-evaluating what matters most in their careers.
The health risks of remote work loneliness
Experts are increasingly concerned about the wider health consequences of workplace isolation. Dr Naveen Puri, Medical Director at Bupa UK, said:
“Loneliness can have a devastating impact on our mental and physical health, with knock-on effects on depression, anxiety, stress and type 2 diabetes.”
Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation, underlined the broader implications: “Young people are more likely to face insecure employment due to remote work and new technologies which increase isolation.” He has urged employers to prioritise stronger workplace relationships and support systems.
Practical solutions to combat WFH loneliness
While the statistics are concerning, experts stress that loneliness can be addressed with proactive steps. Coaching consultant Sheryl Garratt has suggested practical approaches, including:
- Building a social life beyond work by joining clubs, creative groups, or sports activities
- Working in shared or co-working spaces to foster natural interaction
- Finding an accountability buddy to provide regular check-ins and reduce the sense of isolation
- Seeking mentorship, both formal and informal, to create deeper professional connections
Garratt also advises young workers to avoid “compare and despair” tendencies on social media, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Instead, fostering meaningful conversations with colleagues, peers, and clients can provide valuable reassurance.
The bigger picture
Loneliness among young remote workers is not a passing phase, but a structural challenge with lasting consequences. For Gen Z employees, the risks extend beyond reduced productivity to long-term mental health and career development.
The responsibility now rests with employers and policymakers to create environments — whether remote, hybrid, or office-based — that ensure young people can thrive both professionally and personally. Without targeted interventions, the risk is that a generation of workers may face enduring disadvantages from a model of work that was originally intended to empower them.
