JOEM: Exploring the Health Impacts and Inequalities (October 2022)-JOEM: Exploring the Health Impacts and Inequalities (October 2022)

JOEM: Exploring the Health Impacts and Inequalities (October 2022)

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A recent study explored the health impacts and inequalities of working from home (WFH) among the Welsh adult population. The study collected data from 615 working adults in Wales through a household survey. The findings revealed that over 45% of those who were able to WFH reported worsened mental well-being and feelings of loneliness. Additionally, WFH was found to worsen diets, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use among those in poorer health. The study also showed that individuals living in more deprived areas, in atypical employment, or with precarious income were less able to WFH. However, nearly 60% of the respondents expressed a desire to WFH to some capacity. <br /><br />The study highlights the challenges that the new way of working presents in preserving workforce mental well-being, regulating health behaviors, and addressing inequalities. It suggests that hybrid models of work and targeted health support could make WFH healthier and more equitable. The study emphasizes the need to protect against the negative impacts of WFH on mental health and loneliness, and to support subgroups that are more vulnerable to these effects. It also calls for efforts to address the unequal access to WFH opportunities, particularly among those in disadvantaged situations. <br /><br />The findings of the study contribute valuable insights into the health impacts and inequalities of WFH, providing a basis for the development of policies and interventions that promote and support healthier and more equitable WFH practices.

Keywords

working from home

WFH

health impacts

inequalities

mental well-being

loneliness

diets

physical activity

smoking

alcohol use