Working From Home Improves Women’s Mental Health More Than Men’s, Study Finds

Working From Home Improves Women’s Mental Health More Than Men’s, Study Finds
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A new study shows that remote work has a significantly positive impact on women’s mental health, while similar benefits are not observed among men.

Australian researchers say the flexibility of work hours and reduced daily pressures are the key factors contributing to improved wellbeing among women, particularly those already struggling with poor mental health.

According to Shia Waves Agency citing Sputnik, a long-term study involving more than 16,000 Australian employees found that women gain more mental health advantages from working at home than men. Researchers tracked participants’ daily habits, commute times, and major life events such as job changes or childbirth.

The findings indicate that commuting has little effect on women’s mental health, but negatively affects men—especially those with pre-existing psychological challenges. Each additional 30 minutes of commuting was linked to a mental health decline equivalent to a 2% drop in household income for men.

Women experienced the greatest mental health improvements under hybrid arrangements—primarily working from home with one or two days in the office each week. For women with poor mental health, the benefit was comparable to a nearly 15% increase in household income.

Researchers attribute the gender difference to distinct family roles and social networks: women often carry more domestic responsibilities and benefit from greater flexibility, while many men’s social and professional interactions are tied to the workplace.

The study concludes that remote work can be an effective tool for improving women’s mental wellbeing, particularly for those under stress, and that work arrangements should be tailored to employees’ individual needs and psychological conditions.