Research Recommendations: The Future of Working From Home

by Jon Scaccia June 9, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed how we live and work, with one of the most significant shifts being the transition to working from home (WFH). I mean, as I write this, I’m sitting at my kitchen table on what is a truly outstanding Sunday afternoon.

As lockdowns and social distancing measures took effect, millions of people worldwide found themselves setting up makeshift home offices, navigating the blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and adapting to new routines. This shift prompted a surge in research on the effects of WFH, leading to numerous studies and reviews exploring its benefits and challenges. An umbrella review of these studies provides a comprehensive overview of what we know about WFH and offers valuable recommendations for the future.

Understanding the Experience of Working From Home

An umbrella review, which collates findings from multiple systematic reviews, was conducted in June 2022. The review aimed to summarize the personal experiences of homeworking, focusing on factors such as barriers, facilitators, advantages, and disadvantages. After screening 1930 records, six review articles were included, revealing mixed findings across various themes: working environment, personal impact, and health.

The Working Environment: Comfort and Space Matter

Workplace Design and Conditions

One of the primary concerns highlighted in the review is the quality of the home working environment. Many home-based workers reported having uncomfortable furniture, insufficient storage, and poor lighting. Issues such as weak screen positioning, small desktop areas, and lack of proper back support were common. These conditions can lead to physical discomfort and long-term health issues, underscoring the need for ergonomic home office setups.

Availability of Workspace

Space constraints also emerged as a significant issue. Many workers found themselves using living rooms or bedrooms as makeshift offices, often choosing the smallest or least contested space to avoid inconveniencing family members. This lack of a dedicated workspace can lead to distractions and difficulty maintaining work-life boundaries.

Training and Breaks

The review also found that most teleworkers receive little to no training on how to work effectively from home. Moreover, workers tend to work longer hours without taking breaks, contributing to increased screen time and potential burnout. Employers must address these issues by providing appropriate training and encouraging regular breaks.

Personal Impact: Autonomy and Satisfaction

Autonomy

Working from home can offer greater autonomy, as it often reduces direct supervision. This increased responsibility and flexibility can lead to higher job satisfaction, especially for those with caregiving responsibilities or international employees. However, balancing autonomy with effective supervision remains crucial to ensure productivity and well-being.

Productivity

The impact of WFH on productivity is mixed. While some studies suggest that telework can improve productivity by providing a more pleasant work environment, others indicate that it can also lead to work intensification and reduced productivity for tasks perceived as dull. Personal circumstances, such as having additional non-work commitments, also play a significant role in influencing productivity.

Satisfaction and Career Prospects

Job satisfaction and career progression are two areas where WFH presents both opportunities and challenges. While many teleworkers report increased job satisfaction, concerns about career advancement persist. Teleworkers often fear that working from home may limit their opportunities for promotion and salary growth, especially if they are perceived as less dedicated by their colleagues and supervisors.

Health and Well-being: Mixed Outcomes

Physical and Mental Health

The review found mixed results regarding the impact of WFH on physical and mental health. On one hand, some workers reported improved well-being and healthier eating habits due to the flexibility of working from home. On the other hand, increased sedentary behavior, weight gain, and musculoskeletal issues were common. Mental health outcomes were similarly varied, with some studies indicating higher levels of stress and isolation, while others found reduced stress and improved well-being.

Isolation and Social Interaction

Social isolation is a significant concern for many teleworkers. The lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. However, the extent to which workers experience isolation depends on individual preferences and their ability to maintain social connections through technology. Employers should foster opportunities for regular social interaction, such as virtual team-building activities and informal chats, to mitigate feelings of isolation.

Recommendations for the Future of Home-Based Work

Given the mixed findings from the umbrella review, it is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to WFH is impractical. Instead, flexibility and individualization are key. Here are eight recommendations for employers and managers to enhance the WFH experience:

1. Provide Ergonomic Support: Ensure that employees have access to ergonomic furniture and equipment to prevent physical discomfort and long-term health issues.
2. Offer Training: Provide training on effective homeworking practices, including ergonomics, time management, and maintaining work-life boundaries.
3. Encourage Regular Breaks: Promote regular breaks and healthy work routines to prevent burnout and improve productivity.
4. Foster Social Interaction: Create opportunities for social interaction through virtual team-building activities and regular check-ins.
5. Support Career Development: Address concerns about career progression by offering regular feedback and opportunities for professional growth.
6. Promote Mental Health: Provide resources and support for maintaining mental health and well-being, including access to counseling and stress management programs.
7. Tailor Approaches to Individual Needs: Recognize that each employee’s situation is unique and requires personalized support and flexibility.
8. Implement Hybrid Models: Consider hybrid work models that allow employees to balance remote and office work, catering to their individual preferences and needs.

What is your experience?

Let us know in the comments.

• How has working from home impacted your productivity and work-life balance?
• What support or resources do you think would improve your experience of working from home?

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