How Remote Work Changes Habits: Hygiene, Clothing, and Social Skills

Remote work, despite its obvious advantages such as flexibility and time savings, is increasingly becoming the cause of unusual and sometimes destructive habits. New research shows that the absence of the need to visit an office every day changes people’s behavior, their attitude toward hygiene, daily routines, and even social skills. In this article, we will explore how the home environment affects our lives and why remote work might make us a little stranger than we think.

Remote Hygiene: Shower and Deodorant Become Optional

One of the most noticeable changes associated with working from home is the relaxed attitude toward personal hygiene. A study conducted by Stanford University economist Nick Bloom revealed some interesting figures: only 73% of remote workers take a shower before the workday, while among office employees this figure reaches 85%. The use of deodorant also decreases: 81% of those working from home use it compared to 95% of their office colleagues. Even brushing teeth—a seemingly basic habit—occurs slightly less frequently among remote workers, 92% versus 95%. Why does this happen? The absence of colleagues and daily face-to-face meetings reduces the pressure of social norms. The home environment creates a sense of coziness in which many people stop taking care of themselves as meticulously as before. This does not mean that remote workers completely forget about hygiene, but the difference from office life is evident.

Pajamas Instead of Suits: How Clothing Choices Change

Working from home offers the freedom to choose one’s wardrobe, and many happily take advantage of it. Instead of strict shirts and trousers, employees are increasingly spending the entire day in pajamas or choosing the most comfortable clothing possible. Some even have separate pajama sets for day and night, emphasizing their love for home comfort. This approach has its benefits: comfort boosts mood and reduces stress. However, there is also a downside—the absence of a “work” dress code can blur the boundaries between professional and personal life. Clothing often helps the brain switch into work mode, and its absence can sometimes lead to decreased productivity.

Strange Behavior at Home: From Talking to Oneself to Dancing

The loneliness of a home office gives rise to habits that would hardly occur in an office. Many remote workers start talking to themselves, humming melodies, or taking dance breaks between tasks. In an office, such behavior is held in check by the presence of colleagues, but at home, where no one is watching, people feel freer. These habits can be useful for relieving tension, but sometimes they distract from work. Psychologists note that such changes in behavior are a natural reaction to the isolation that accompanies remote work.

Rest Routine: Breaks That Never Happen or Procrastination

Maintaining a rest routine is another challenge faced by remote employees. Some become so engrossed in work that they forget to take breaks, working for hours without rest. Others, on the contrary, find that a short coffee break turns into an hour of procrastination—from social media to household chores. The absence of external control and a strict schedule, as in an office, complicates self-discipline. As a result, the balance between work and rest is disrupted, which can lead to burnout or reduced efficiency.

Social Skills Under Strain: What We Lose by Working from Home

Perhaps one of the most serious consequences of remote work is the weakening of social skills. In an office, we constantly interact with colleagues, using not only words but also nonverbal signals such as gestures, facial expressions, and intonation. In remote work, this communication is reduced to text in messaging apps or occasional video calls, which do not replace live contact. Psychologists warn that prolonged isolation can lead to a loss of nonverbal communication skills, complicating the return to the office or participation in business meetings. People become less confident in social situations, which affects their professional relationships and career prospects.

Conclusion: How to Find Balance

Remote work opens up new opportunities, but it also brings challenges. Strange habits—from neglecting hygiene to dancing during lunch breaks—may seem harmless, but their impact on productivity and social skills should not be underestimated. To avoid negative consequences, it is important to set clear boundaries between work and rest, maintain discipline, and not forget the importance of live interaction.