JOEM: Health and Work Performance Consequences (April 2023)-JOEM: Health and Work Performance Consequences (April 2023)

JOEM: Health and Work Performance Consequences (April 2023)

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This study examines the impact of the physical work environment while working from home (WFH) on workers' health and work functioning. The study is based on a nationwide prospective cohort study conducted in Japan involving 2,530 workers who worked from home. The researchers assessed the WFH environment using subjective assessments based on existing guidelines. The existence of impaired work function was assessed using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. <br /><br />The study found that several factors in the WFH environment were associated with impaired work functioning. These factors include lack of room/space for concentration, lack of sufficient light and foot space, inadequate temperature and humidity, and use of a low table. The study suggests that an inappropriate work environment while WFH can have a negative impact on workers' health and work performance. <br /><br />The findings highlight the importance of creating a suitable work environment while WFH. The study suggests that companies and employees should work together to improve the WFH environment, taking into account factors such as concentration space, lighting, foot space, and temperature and humidity. By addressing these factors, companies can help maintain workers' health and productivity during WFH. <br /><br />Overall, the study emphasizes the need for companies to consider the physical work environment when implementing WFH arrangements and to provide support and guidelines to ensure that workers have a conducive environment for work.

Keywords

physical work environment

working from home

WFH

workers' health

work functioning

prospective cohort study

impaired work function

concentration space

lighting

temperature and humidity