Kirstie Allsopp says working from home is 'bad for mental health' - but she's wrong

Kirstie Allsopp sparked significant debate when she shared her views on the effects of remote work on younger generations on Monday, July 21. As the host of the popular show Location, Location, Location and the daughter of Charles Allsopp, 6th Baron Hindlip and former chairman of Christie's, she likely hasn't had to think about the cost of a travel card in quite some time.

In her passionate post on X, she stated: "This working from home nonsense has to stop. It's harming the mental health of millions of young people and forcing many to spend more on housing just to accommodate extra office space. While this setup may work for middle-class, middle-aged professionals, it certainly doesn't benefit most young workers."

The debate around remote work is undeniably complex for both businesses and employees. Not every remote worker enjoys the perks of a home office or fancy coffee machine. Many younger employees find themselves squeezed into their bedrooms in rented spaces.

For these individuals, having the opportunity to escape and enjoy more space (especially during the summer heat, when air conditioning is essential) is crucial. On the other hand, for people living with disabilities, single parents, caregivers, and those who cannot afford the financial and emotional toll of a long commute, the flexibility to work from home provides much-needed relief from additional stressors.

During the pandemic, employers were relieved to discover that large segments of the economy could function remotely. This, in turn, opened up the workplace to many individuals who had felt previously excluded from the workforce. For someone like me, who lives with the fluctuating condition of Ulcerative Colitis, the ability to work from home makes the difference between being employed and unemployed.

Of course, remote work is not perfect for everyone, as loneliness is a real issue facing not just young people, Kirstie mentions, but also those who are older and living alone.

Workers who spend all their time at home can miss out on valuable opportunities for mentorship and social connections. However, in my experience, socialisation outside of work, which was heavily glamorised in 90s films like Bridget Jones, is a thing of the past. Most people finish their work and promptly head home to be with their families; who can blame them?

Kirstie is correct in noting that the current system does not work for everyone and that there are not enough jobs offering the flexibility and accommodations needed to meet diverse needs. However, I believe her mistake lies in assuming that only those who work from home are unhappy or unmotivated. Young people are not frustrated by occasionally working from home in their pyjamas; they are stressed about the realities of unaffordable living and what the future holds for their generation.

We should develop various working methods so that everyone, regardless of age or ability, feels included and valued in the modern workforce.