This chapter examines the health and well-being impacts of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic based on literature and survey data from the Work-Life-Flow project. The rapid transition to remote work, catalysed by COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, exposed significant challenges in an emerging remote working environment, including inadequate ergonomics, poor Internet infrastructure and increased mental health issues, like isolation, stress and family conflicts. Several studies report that remote working was found to increase occupational health risks, such as anxiety, stress and fatigue related to the use of technological devices. Physical health impacts, such as musculoskeletal disorders and vocal discomfort related to the physical strain from using remote working equipment, have also been identified. Remote workers do, however, also report considerable benefits. Reported positive impacts, such as increased flexibility, reduced commuting and improved work-family balance, are discussed. The impact of remote working on smoking and physical activity is also considered. Employers should seek to minimise the harms and maximise the benefits of remote workers. In this context, the evolving role of occupational health nurses in supporting employers and employees in managing employee well-being in the remote working environment is discussed.

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Health and Well-Being at Work

  • John S. G. Wells,
  • Florian Scheibein

摘要

This chapter examines the health and well-being impacts of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic based on literature and survey data from the Work-Life-Flow project. The rapid transition to remote work, catalysed by COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, exposed significant challenges in an emerging remote working environment, including inadequate ergonomics, poor Internet infrastructure and increased mental health issues, like isolation, stress and family conflicts. Several studies report that remote working was found to increase occupational health risks, such as anxiety, stress and fatigue related to the use of technological devices. Physical health impacts, such as musculoskeletal disorders and vocal discomfort related to the physical strain from using remote working equipment, have also been identified. Remote workers do, however, also report considerable benefits. Reported positive impacts, such as increased flexibility, reduced commuting and improved work-family balance, are discussed. The impact of remote working on smoking and physical activity is also considered. Employers should seek to minimise the harms and maximise the benefits of remote workers. In this context, the evolving role of occupational health nurses in supporting employers and employees in managing employee well-being in the remote working environment is discussed.