Rethinking RTO? Researchers Highlight the Positive Impact of Remote Work
HR Dive, Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
Remote workers report the highest well-being, and retention tracks wellness rather than office proximity.
A study of over 7,700 workers found remote employees experienced the highest well-being levels compared with hybrid and in-office staff, while connection rates remained similar across arrangements. Researchers emphasized that well-being, not proximity, is a key factor in employee retention.
The findings challenge assumptions that remote work harms workplace bonds.
They arrive as employers including Bank of America continue issuing return-to-office mandates with limited empirical support.