# Remote work made colleagues more open

> Remote work brought colleagues closer, not apart, according to new research.
- Title: Remote work made colleagues more open · The Conversation
- Summary: Remote work brought colleagues closer, not apart, according to new research. Remote work increased psychological safety and personal connections among…
- Keywords: remote work, psychological safety, colleagues, workplace, zoom, management, professional services, science, ideas, Remote, work, made
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/remote-work-made-these-colleagues-more-open-with-each-other-not-less-291728
- Author: Vanessa M. Conzon
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: remote work, psychological safety, colleagues, workplace, zoom, management, professional services, science, ideas
## Remote work shift
Remote work surged during the pandemic and remains common, with 36% of American workers in management roles doing some work from home as of August 2026.
## Before remote work
In offices, people viewed colleagues as work partners rather than whole people, often avoiding sharing personal life details that might affect work.

> Even though you didn’t sleep last night, you’re expected to show up and smile and be fine
## Remote work benefits
Remote work increased psychological safety, allowing colleagues to share personal challenges like family issues without judgment.

> Everyone has noises in the background, or they have something going on or whatever, and so we get to know each other quicker and on a deeper level than we would otherwise
## Supporting each other
When one colleague faced personal challenges, others stepped in to help, ensuring tasks didn’t stop dead in the water.

> I’m just going to take this over for you right now
## Psychological safety
Remote work improved psychological safety, helping colleagues share personal lives without fear of negative judgment.

> Less afraid to talk about the interface of their personal and professional lives
## Long-term impact
Sharing personal details strengthened workplace connections and improved task completion without sacrificing personal time.

> Helped us to work more effectively in a lot of ways
## What happens next
Employers and employees may treat remote work as a way to build personal connections rather than a cost to social bonds.
## Key takeaway

Remote work increased psychological safety and personal connections among colleagues, as found in a study of 275 interviews.