315 | The Remote Work Paradox: Why Autonomy Boosts Engagement but Drains Wellbeing

In this episode of the LeadCulture Podcast, Jenni Catron unpacks a surprising new Gallup study revealing what she calls “the remote work paradox.” While fully remote employees report the highest levels of engagement, they’re also less likely to be thriving in life overall—experiencing more stress, loneliness, and emotional fatigue than their hybrid or in-office peers.

Drawing from her own work-from-home reflections and years of coaching leaders, Jenni explores the delicate balance between autonomy and connection in today’s hybrid workplaces. She highlights three key leadership takeaways from Gallup’s findings:

1. Physical distance creates mental distance—why remote employees need intentional connection rhythms.
2. Autonomy can be stressful—how too much flexibility without structure increases cognitive load.
3. Technology can frustrate—and what leaders can do to minimize coordination fatigue.

Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or fully onsite, Jenni helps you rethink how to build engagement that doesn’t cost wellbeing—and how to cultivate a culture where your people can be both engaged and thriving.

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