It's possible to stay connected with hybrid and remote work.gettyWorking remote or hybrid offers terrific advantages, but new research finds that if you work away from the office, you may struggle with isolation, loneliness or mental health issues. But it’s possible to love your remote work and stay connected as well, avoiding disconnection or depression.Remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Before the pandemic, the percentage of full paid workdays for remote work was 7%. Today, it is 26% and it has stabilized at this level, according to research from Stanford WFH Research. In addition, 52% of people work hybrid, 26% work fully remote and about 22% work fully onsite, according to Gallup. But work is a critical place that we connect and it’s logical that working away from others can increase our isolation. In fact, striking research published in Science analyzed data on 588,322 people from 2011 through 2024 (excluding 2020-2021) found that the likelihood of spending a whole day alone increased 83% among those who worked remote and lived alone. Isolation is linked with loneliness and mental health struggles and this was evident in the Science study as well. In those who worked away from the office, there was an increase in psychological distress, an increase in the likelihood of seeing a mental health professional and an increase in prescriptions for antidepressants. Overall, the study found that remote work explained a third of the rise in isolation and mental distress. But working remote or hybrid has advantages of course. Avoiding the commute, providing flexibility, navigating work-life challenges, offering autonomy are among them. There are pros and cons, for sure and it’s possible to take advantage of remote and hybrid work with fewer of the downsides. MORE FOR YOUAvoiding Loneliness and DisconnectionSo how can you enjoy remote or hybrid work, but also find ways to avoid isolation?1. Go to the Office When You CanIn some jobs, you don’t have the option of going to an office, but when you do, take advantage of it. Just as remote work has upsides, so does the office in terms of the positive effects of proximity and the power of place. Being in person with coworkers is correlated with everything from mental health and happiness to greater performance and fulfillment in your work. Determine which meetings are most critical for face-to-face interaction and enjoy both the structured time you spend in the office as well as the people you run into and catch up with unexpectedly. 2. Lean Into Social Interactions in Work SituationsWhether we’re working virtually or face-to-face, we tend to emphasize efficiency. We want to get down to business and get things done. But when we get to know coworkers, it’s better for our sense of connection and fulfillment. Importantly, when we feel connected with others, we’re also more likely to follow up, follow through and deliver on commitments. Getting to know colleagues is good for people. It’s also good for organizations.Check in with colleagues as you’re starting your remote or in-person meetings. Make small talk and connect personally. Following your meetings, be intentional about reaching out.When you’re working virtually, also chat and keep windows open. There will be work that you need to do individually and in those situations, you’ll want to silence notifications. But when it’s appropriate for your tasks, you can also benefit from working (virtually) side-by-side with others. During times that you don’t need to concentrate as hard, chat with people digitally. Or keep an open window with a colleague while you’re each doing individual work. This is sometimes called body doubling and it allows you to check in and feel the presence of a co-worker even when you’re not actively collaborating or interacting.3. Join an AssociationA brilliant way to stay connected with remote work is to join a professional group or association. Many of them offer both in-person and remote options, so you can blend both. The opportunity to meet others within your discipline or your region builds your sense of community and the people you meet can also expand your perspective beyond your work, your team and your company. And the time you spend in association activities helps you expand your competence in your field as you learn from the speakers or gatherings the group offers. 4. Invest Time in Non-Work InteractionsIncreasing numbers of people are reporting they are introverted, lack social skills or struggle to get out the door. If you aren’t intentional about staying connected, you can suffer from social jetlag in which it becomes harder over time.Be intentional about setting up coffee dates or walks with friends. Join (or start) a book group. Set up time with people you know but also consider putting yourself in situations where you’re sharing experiences with others. Go to a coffee shop to work among others, go to a dog park, join a pickleball league or spend time enjoying the local lake where others are also gathering.5. Volunteer in Your Community Another surefire way to avoid loneliness is to volunteer in your community. Research has found that when people volunteer, they’re more likely to feel happy and fulfilled, have greater wellbeing and mental health and even earn more money. We all have an instinct to matter, and volunteering gives us the opportunity to contribute. In addition, volunteering provides structure and context for meeting others. You don’t just have to show up and mingle. Instead, you’re swinging a hammer next to someone building community homes, weeding the community garden or stuffing sack suppers side-by-side. These activity-based connections can help interactions feel more natural. Stay Connected and Increase WellbeingWhether you’re building community with your coworkers or prioritizing relationships outside of work, being intentional will be key. Find ways to connect. Share ideas with others. Invite relationships. All of these approaches will help you avoid loneliness and they’ll also add to others’ positive experiences as well.