Is Remote Work Destroying Employee Well-being & Work Culture?

Work culture defines how employees interact, communicate, and collaborate within an organization. It's the set of shared values, attitudes, and behaviors that influence everything from team dynamics to decision-making. A strong work culture creates a sense of belonging, motivates employees, and aligns them with the organization's mission. Traditionally, culture has been built through face-to-face interactions, watercooler conversations, team outings, and in-office camaraderie. However, after COVID-19, with the rise of remote work, many companies are facing the challenge of sustaining this culture when employees are no longer physically present in the same space.

In India, where relationships and hierarchy play a significant role in workplace dynamics, the shift to work from home (WFH) has posed unique challenges. Although WFH offers flexibility and convenience, it can unintentionally erode the social fabric of a company. With employees scattered across locations, spontaneous interactions, and collaborative creativity often take a backseat. As a result, teams may experience a breakdown in communication, a loss of purpose, and a dip in morale which are critical elements of work culture.

Not only does this affect workplace culture, but it also impacts the health of employees. Studies show that Indian professionals are working longer hours from home, blurring the lines between work and personal life and suffering from higher rates of physical/mental health issues. The effects of isolation are proving to be detrimental to the overall well-being of employees, leading to concerns about the sustainability of remote work in the long run.

This blog explores the deeper implications of WFH on workplace culture and employee health, with a particular focus on India. We'll look at the factors contributing to this shift, the hidden risks associated with remote work, and how companies can address these challenges.

1. The Breakdown of Team Culture

In an office setting, casual conversations and spontaneous brainstorming sessions strengthen team culture. However, the shift to remote work can lead to a disconnect between employees and a loss of camaraderie. The absence of face-to-face interaction can weaken trust and collaboration among teams, which is crucial for innovation and morale.

A survey by LinkedIn showed that 39% of professionals felt more isolated due to remote work, and 38% experienced lower work-life balance as a result of working from home. This reflects how the lack of in-person connection and in-office workdays is impacting professional and personal relationships.

Remote work can easily turn into isolated work, with team members retreating into their own bubbles. In India’s traditionally collectivist culture, where relationships and face time are deeply valued, this shift to isolation can be especially detrimental to company culture.

39% of professionals felt more isolated due to remote work

2. Loss of Mentorship and Learning Opportunities

As humans, we naturally learn best through observation and physical interactions rather than solely relying on virtual, screen-based cues. This ability, ingrained since our evolution from apes, has been key to the development of civilization. In the workplace, observing subtle behaviors, communication, and work habits of colleagues plays a critical role in informal training and professional adaptation - especially for new recruits.

In India, where mentorship often thrives on personal, informal connections, young professionals miss out on valuable learning opportunities when working remotely. They no longer have access to spontaneous interactions or the chance to observe how experienced colleagues handle challenges in real-time, which can be essential for their growth.

While hybrid models offer some relief, many employees are now returning to the office out of necessity rather than genuine engagement. As a result, these mandated office days can feel forced and artificial, inhibiting the organic development of workplace culture.

3. Overwork and Lack of Boundaries

67% of employees admitted to working more hours when working from home, leading to increased stress and burnout

Work-from-home has blurred the lines between personal and professional life for many Indian employees. According to a report by Indeed , 67% of employees admitted to working more hours when working from home, leading to increased stress and burnout. Indian professionals are accustomed to long hours, and remote work exacerbates this issue, as there's no clear boundary between work and home life. This is because there is no supposed off-time where an employee is not available.

The employee has access to a system 24x7. This unconscious bias creates a new hurdle for the team as employees are prone to use this as an excuse to delay tasks and procrastinate, whereas, managers can now distribute tasks throughout the day. A study by Assocham found that 43% of employees reported mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to overwork and lack of boundaries during remote work. This can ultimately lead to higher burnout rates and reduced productivity.

43% of employees reported mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to overwork and lack of boundaries during remote work

4. The Impact on Physical Health

Without the natural movement that comes with commuting and in-office routines, many remote workers are leading sedentary lifestyles. In India, where ergonomic office setups are not always a given, employees working from home are more prone to health issues like back pain, eye strain, and other musculoskeletal problems.

A survey by Wakefit found that 55% of remote workers complained of back pain due to improper work setups at home, highlighting the health risks posed by long hours spent at unergonomic workstations. Companies like TCS and Accenture have been addressing this by offering ergonomic furniture and virtual wellness programs, encouraging employees to prioritize physical health even when working remotely.

55% of remote workers complained of back pain due to improper work setups at home

5. Employee Morale Takes a Hit

Indian employees, who traditionally thrive on team-based culture and close-knit professional networks, may find it hard to sustain morale in a remote environment. The lack of in-person recognition, casual socialization, and connection to the larger company mission can result in employee disengagement.

According to a report by Barco, 45% of workers felt that their company’s culture had weakened during remote work. This disconnect can make employees feel less invested in their roles, ultimately affecting performance and retention.

45% of workers felt that their company’s culture had weakened during remote work

Finding Balance

While work from home offers benefits such as flexibility and reduced commute times, its long-term effects on workplace culture and employee health cannot be ignored. Especially in India, where in-person interactions and team dynamics are highly valued, the challenge is to create a balance. Solutions like structured in-office days, regular virtual check-ins, workspace wellness products can help companies maintain their culture while supporting employee well-being.

Bringing teams together for collaboration days or using tools that promote social interactions can help restore a sense of belonging and motivation in a largely remote world.

This blog is presented by Fares Khalifa, CEO of Wealth Smart Investment.