Remote work and well-being: the new work-life balance in Chile

Remote work and well-being: the new work-life balance in Chile

Remote work in Chile has gone from being a temporary measure to becoming a new, stable form of employment. Since the pandemic, thousands of workers have adopted hybrid or fully remote models, transforming the relationship between productivity, well-being, and leisure time.

Companies across various sectors—technology, education, financial services, and communications—have discovered that flexibility not only improves employee morale but also results. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), by 2025 more than 20% of Chilean workers were performing at least part of their work from home, a figure that continues to rise.

Benefits of teleworking for the well-being of Chileans

The main change brought about by remote work is an improved quality of life . Employees value reduced commute times, savings on transportation, and the opportunity to spend more time with their families.

Among the most notable benefits are:

  • Greater flexibility in working hours to balance personal and professional life.

  • Reduction of urban stress , especially in large cities like Santiago or Valparaíso.

  • Cost savings on food, transportation, and work clothing.

  • Increased productivity , by being able to adapt work spaces and rhythms.

Furthermore, autonomy and control over the work environment have fostered greater engagement and overall satisfaction. Many Chilean companies have begun offering additional benefits related to digital well-being, such as active breaks, flexible schedules, and online mindfulness sessions.

Challenges of remote work in Chile in 2025 and 2026

It's not all advantages. Working remotely also presents challenges that require adaptation from both employers and employees. Social isolation, difficulty disconnecting, and a lack of suitable workspaces at home are common problems.

Among the main challenges are:

  • Work overload and lack of digital disconnection , especially in jobs where communication is constant.

  • Ergonomic problems due to lack of suitable furniture.

  • Social isolation and loss of a sense of work community.

  • Digital divide , especially in rural areas or communities with limited connectivity.

The Chilean government has made progress in regulations governing the right to disconnect and the protection of the mental health of teleworkers, especially after the approval of Law No. 21,220 which regulates remote work.

You can review more topics on legislation and employment at CalendarioChile.com/blog , where we also explore how artificial intelligence is transforming work in Chile , a topic directly related to this new digital reality.

How Chilean companies are redesigning their work culture

Companies have had to reinvent themselves to maintain team cohesion remotely. The use of collaborative tools, video conferencing platforms, and internal communication channels has been strengthened. But beyond technology, the change is cultural .

Chilean companies are adopting more human-centered policies, focused on holistic well-being, trust, and results based on objectives rather than schedules. Empathetic leadership has become key, along with new practices such as:

  • Hybrid work schedules (in-person and remote).

  • Digital wellness programs with self-care breaks.

  • Training in mental health and remote leadership.

  • In-person events for human connection , such as annual meetings or social gatherings.

Work-life balance in Chile is moving towards more flexible models, where employee happiness is considered an investment and not a luxury.

The impact of teleworking on Chilean productivity

Evidence shows that well-managed remote work increases productivity . Local and international studies agree that motivated employees with greater control over their time tend to be more productive.

However, this depends on factors such as the quality of leadership, access to technology, training, and mutual trust between employer and employee.

The most successful organizations in Chile are opting for hybrid models , which combine in-person interaction (key to innovation) with the flexibility of remote work. This balance appears to be the preferred formula for 2026.

Keys to maintaining a balance between remote work and well-being

Achieving true balance requires clear habits and structures. Some helpful tips for employees and employers include:

For workers

  • Establish fixed start and end times for work.

  • Create a dedicated workspace to maintain concentration.

  • Take active breaks and do stretching exercises.

  • Encourage contact with colleagues and support networks.

For employers

  • Promote transparent and close communication .

  • Measure results by objectives, not by hours in front of the computer.

  • Invest in technology and digital training .

  • Respect the right to disconnect and the mental health of the team.

The challenge is to build an environment that allows people to work happily, without the home becoming a permanent office.