Remote work is no longer seen as the working person’s utopian dream, as it was once painted. It has become the most emotionally charged workplace topic since the advent of open offices. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily disillusioned us with the reality of working from home, the arrangement has been viewed as polarizing at best. One camp swears remote work destroys culture, productivity, and sanity. The other insists that the “office” is an outdated relic, and anyone who wants to return misses free snacks.

The truth, as it usually does, lies somewhere in the middle. Remote work actually works wonderfully for some people, and data backs this up. While remote isn’t ideal for individuals who need high external stimulation or tight structure, it is exceptionally supportive for others who thrive in autonomy-rich, distraction-free environments.

Some people perform at a higher level when they’re given autonomy. They usually don’t need pep talks, surveillance, or someone to set the pace for them. What they really need is space and a say in how they structure their workday.

Some people do their best when they hold the reins of their own schedule, environment, and workflow. A recent 2025 diary study of 85 public-sector employees, spanning 605 daily assessments over two weeks, confirms this.

The authors found that remote work days were consistently associated with increased feelings of autonomy and competence, which translated into higher well-being. Meanwhile,........

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