In the hectic Corona times, that remainsFor many, home office is the only option. But is working from home really good for our physical and mental health? A new study aims to find the answer to these questions. USC researchers have found that working from home could have negative consequences. This is said to be due to poor communication with colleagues, many distractions and high work expectations.
Researchers claim that working from home has negative consequences for our health
The study, published in the Journal of Occupation and Environmental Medicine, evaluated the consequences of the first lockdown on working life. More than 1000 test subjects took part. The scientists found:
- Working from home had a rather negative impact on 64% of participants. They reported new health problems.
- More than 75% of respondents suffered from new mental health problems.
- Women suffered from depressive illnesses more often than men.
- Parents with babies were psychologically healthier than single people.
- Parents with small children were physically healthier, but reported more psychological problems than singles.
- Parents with teenagers were less at risk of new mental and physical illnesses.
- More than 3/4 of all respondents had flexible working hours.
- Working people who had to adjust their working hours were more likely to suffer from new health problems.
- Pets had no influence on the mental or physical health of the test subjects.
- The majority of respondents admitted to being less active and eating more during the lockdown.
- Around a third of those surveyed had a home office just for themselves, the others had to share the home office with others.
Home office presents new challenges for employees and employers
By this fall at the latest, it became clear to both employees and employers: the home office will become more and more important. But working from home represents a major challenge for both employees and employers. Groups with low levels of education or professional status are particularly at risk of mental illness. In many cases there is also a lack of self-management skills. People who live alone are generally exposed to greater psychological stress.
