Abstract
Evidence about the characterization of home workers in terms of both work-related outcomes and health issues is lacking. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the impact of home working on perceived job productivity and satisfaction, work-related stress, and musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. We included 51 mobile workers, collecting data about demographic characteristics, working experience, job productivity, and stress. Job satisfaction was assessed through the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), while MSK pain was investigated by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Moreover, a home workplace analysis had to be carried out according to current Italian regulations. Participants declared that they were less productive (39.2%) but less stressed (39.2%) and equally satisfied (51%) compared to the time of office working. Regarding MSK disorders, low back pain (LBP) was referred by 41.2% of home workers and neck pain by 23.5% of them. Neck pain worsened in 50% of home workers, while LBP did not exacerbate in 47.6% of cases. Home workers with MSK pain reported a lower job satisfaction. Depending on our data, the home environment seems to be not adequate in the mobile worker population, with an increased risk for mental health and MSK problems, particularly affecting the spine. Addressing these issues can significantly reduce risks for health, thus, improving job productivity and satisfaction and reducing cost.
Highlights
The COVID-19 health emergency has profoundly changed working life
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of remote workers increased by 69% in Italy, while it has been estimated that about 81% of the worldwide workforce has been affected by workplace changes [2]
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of home working on job satisfaction, occupational stress, perceived productivity, and MSK issues
Summary
The COVID-19 health emergency has profoundly changed working life. To minimize physical contact among individuals and prevent new infections, many companies implemented “mobile working” or “home working” or “remote working”, a form of carrying out a job without specific place of work restrictions, with the possible use of technological tools [1].In 2017, Italy had the lowest percentage of remote workers across all Europe [1], and this percentage amounted to about 8% of total employment at the end of April 2020.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of remote workers increased by 69% in Italy, while it has been estimated that about 81% of the worldwide workforce has been affected by workplace changes [2].For most remote employees, it has probably been the first experience. The COVID-19 health emergency has profoundly changed working life. To minimize physical contact among individuals and prevent new infections, many companies implemented “mobile working” or “home working” or “remote working”, a form of carrying out a job without specific place of work restrictions, with the possible use of technological tools [1]. In 2017, Italy had the lowest percentage of remote workers across all Europe [1], and this percentage amounted to about 8% of total employment at the end of April 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of remote workers increased by 69% in Italy, while it has been estimated that about 81% of the worldwide workforce has been affected by workplace changes [2]. There are reduced commuting time, possible productivity gains, increased staff motivation, better work–life balance, and better control over time schedule, while among disadvantages there are difficulties
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