Why your boss matters more than remote or hybrid work when it comes to burnout and job satisfaction

A study of nearly 165,000 U.S. employees between 2020 and 2023 found that once factors like feeling appreciated, fair pay, and manager relationships are accounted for, the satisfaction edge once credited to remote work mostly disappears. Only employees who sometimes worked remotely showed a modest advantage.

The researchers found a good relationship with a direct manager was tied to higher satisfaction across all work arrangements, but mattered even more for on-site workers. Separate Gallup data showed stress was common everywhere: 41% of fully remote workers reported substantial stress the prior day, versus 46% of hybrid and on-site workers.

The researchers also found that for younger remote-capable workers, the share of leisure time spent alone rose from about 25% to 40% between 2017 and 2024, suggesting flexibility doesn't automatically translate into more connection with others.

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