Working-from-home: effect on working conditions, physical inactivity and physical & mental health
One of the most profound measures for the working population during the pandemic was the working from home measure, which advised workers to work from home. While millions of workers altered their work patterns, the impact of this sweeping shift is less clear due to a lack of longitudinal studies. Therefore, insights are needed in the medium-term effects of working from home and the identification of subgroups that are at increased risk for adverse effects.
Goal
The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the impact of working from home. Additionally, we would like to identify groups of workers at risk.
Research questions:
- What is the acceptance and compliance of the measures during the pandemic, and what are determinants?
- What is the effect of home working on working conditions, physical activity and physical and mental health?
- Which high risk groups can we distinguish?
Approach
Three datasets will be used to answer the research questions. The datasets include the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey COVID-19 of TNO, the Lifelines COVID-19 Cohort of UMCG and the Trend Research of the Corona Behavioral Unit of RIVM. These datasets complement each other regarding the measurement of acceptance and compliance, working conditions and health status.
We are also conducting qualitative research to review our findings with workers, supervisors and managers. Moreover, we will translate with them the insights of this project into practical tools and information materials.
Collaboration partners
TNO, UMCG and Amsterdam UMC closely collaborate within this project due to their track record on the topic of the impact of the work setting.
Besides, collaboration with the target group is very important in this project. We therefore have an advisory board that advises our throughout the project on the research questions, the findings and the translation to practice. The advisory group includes representatives of employers, employees, health and safety professionals and other research institutes.
(Expected) Results
This study is expected to lead to new epidemiological knowledge about the impact of working from home. In this project, we will investigate both the positive and negative effects of working from home, and which groups of workers are most vulnerable due to homeworking. This insight can support policymakers, employers and employees to make the most of the benefits from working from home, but also to address potential disadvantages.