A four-year study from the University of South Australia is offering fresh insights into one of the biggest shifts in modern work culture: working from home. Unlike many reports that focused only on the pandemic years, this research began before COVID-19 and continued well after, making it one of the most complete looks at how remote work affects daily life.
The results are clear: when people can choose to work from home rather than being forced, they are healthier, happier, and more satisfied with their jobs.
The Hidden Benefits of Working from Home
The pandemic pushed millions into remote work almost overnight. What was first seen as temporary has become a long-term reality. This study shows that flexibility is the real game-changer.
Researchers tracked how telework affected Australians’ sleep, stress, eating habits, productivity, and mental health. Across the board, people who had the option to work from home reported significant improvements in well-being.
Better Sleep and Less Stress
One of the strongest findings was improved rest. Remote workers averaged 30 extra minutes of sleep each night. Cutting out long commutes—often more than four hours per week—meant less stress, more energy, and better mental health.
Although alcohol use briefly rose during strict lockdowns, the overall trend showed lower stress and improved mental resilience when people worked from home by choice.
Time Saved, Time Reinvested
The time saved from commuting didn’t go to waste. Workers used it in different ways:
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Getting ahead on work tasks
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Spending more time with family
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Exercising or enjoying hobbies
About one-third of this “bonus time” went into leisure and fitness, helping reduce sedentary lifestyles. Other studies back this up—telework can give employees the equivalent of 10 extra days of free time per year.
Eating Habits Improved at Home
Another surprising shift was in diet. Easy access to the kitchen encouraged some extra snacking at first, but in the long term, people ate healthier. The research noted higher fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake, along with more home-cooked meals. Remote work didn’t just change schedules—it also helped reshape nutrition habits.
Productivity: The Big Debate
Many managers fear that remote work reduces output. But this study, along with similar findings worldwide, says the opposite: productivity holds steady or even improves.
The crucial difference is choice. When remote work was mandatory during lockdowns, well-being dipped due to isolation. But when employees choose it, they report more motivation and greater satisfaction.
Collaboration and team spirit can be harder to maintain at a distance, but with proper tools and management support, performance doesn’t suffer.
Toward a Flexible Future of Work
The biggest lesson from this long-term research is that remote work isn’t just about productivity—it’s about redefining work-life balance.
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Remote or hybrid workers enjoy better health and job satisfaction.
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Flexibility gives employees more control over their lives.
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Businesses benefit from motivated teams without sacrificing results.
Of course, telework won’t suit every role or every person. The challenge for companies is to design flexible systems that combine office collaboration with remote freedom.
As the researchers put it, it’s not about choosing between “remote” or “office.” It’s about building a workplace that embraces both.
This Australian study confirms what many workers already suspected: flexibility is the future of work. Remote work isn’t just a pandemic stopgap—it can improve sleep, reduce stress, encourage healthier habits, and maintain strong productivity.
For employees, it means freedom and well-being. For businesses, it’s a chance to rethink management and culture. And for society, it signals a n
Nope, you are missing the point entirely, it’s not the physical office that makes people unhappy , I’m at the office 7 days a week, know why I’m happy at the office ? No asshole MBA line manager that knows shit about my trade, no forced relations with people I dislike or despise. I fired my management team and corporate structure, I now work by me for me, and since I pay a cloud instance pretty much the same price as any prospective employer I have seriously no need for them, my production is sold before I start working and if I want a raise I just spin up more instances of my production. Now suits can manage their IT problems on their own, or can they ?