Remote workers report the highest well-being in study of 7,700 employees: while those who worked entirely onsite reported the lowest.

A couple of important caveats:

Still, Johnson said face-to-face interaction can play an important role in helping coworkers build relationships, especially if they are just starting out in their careers.

“Remote works better after you know people,” she said. “So there is still a benefit of having some face time.”

So, it does rather beg the question, what should one do if someone is joining an existing team?

Based on two decades of experience: As a general rule, there should be regular in-person team events (around two a year and just for fun). In addition, there should be joint training sessions (also around two a year). New staff members require a great deal of attention from their team, both at these events and when working remotely, particularly at the outset.

Also if there’s an option to go to the office, that works too. I’d like to have an office to go to once a month or less, just for the social, meet people irl, etc, but wouldn’t give up remote work for it.

In your experience, have any online social things worked well? We’re always looking out for stuff where I am.