Exploring the Health Impacts and Inequalities of the New Way of Working

Abstract

The aim of the study is to provide insights into the working Welsh adult population's perceptions of the health impacts of working from home (WFH), their ability to WFH, and their WFH preferences. Methods: Data were collected from 615 working adults in Wales between November 2020 and January 2021 in a household survey. Results: More than 45% of those able to WFH reported worsened mental well-being and loneliness. Working from home worsened the diets, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use of those in poorer health. Approximately 50% were able to WFH, although individuals living in more deprived areas, in atypical employment or with precarious income, were less able to WFH. Nearly 60% wanted to WFH to some capacity. Conclusions: The new way of working introduces new challenges to preserving workforce mental well-being, regulating health behaviors, and tackling inequalities. Hybrid models and targeted health support could make WFH healthier and more equitable.

Association of Sleep, Work Environment, and Work–Life Balance With Work Performance

“…Furthermore, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant adverse impact on employees' mental health 30,31 and changed their working style. 32,33 Although many studies have assessed work performance considering various factors related to COVID-19, for example, the new working style, 34 social isolation, 35 and absenteeism, 36 there are few extensive studies. Therefore, comprehensive research will be needed when studying the pandemic's impact on work performance.…”

Seeking Good Work in the COVID-19 Recovery

“…Atypical employment contracts are viewed to be more precarious. While they provide greater flexibility, they often offer limited stability, poorer working conditions, and often insecure hours and income, 43 which all risk negatively impacting health. 43 , 46 It is therefore of note that half of those with such contracts during the pandemic had considered accessing alternative employment through retraining.…”

“…While they provide greater flexibility, they often offer limited stability, poorer working conditions, and often insecure hours and income, 43 which all risk negatively impacting health. 43 , 46 It is therefore of note that half of those with such contracts during the pandemic had considered accessing alternative employment through retraining. Improving access to training opportunities will support the more precariously employed to move toward work that is more conducive of their health.…”

“…Those with low mental–well-being or existing mental health conditions experienced a worsening in their conditions, and increasing difficulties in accessing treatment, care, and support, as did those in ill-health or with preexisting conditions 47–51 . Precarious employment and financial insecurity are already viewed as drivers of inequalities, and the increasing uncertainty that the pandemic brought with it will have exasperated these and the associated negative impacts on both physical and mental health 43,52–55 . The European Parliament’s concept of “flexicurity,” introduced nearly a decade ago, remains as relevant today, with workers seeking greater flexibility and security from their work 5 .…”

Conceptualising socially inclusive environmental policy: a just transition to Net Zero

“…Some jobs will cease to exist, and people will need to retrain, building new skills for new low-carbon industries (BEIS, 2021b; Kapetaniou and McIvor, 2020). Where we work is also likely to change, with an increased emphasis on working from home for those that can (Griffiths et al , 2022). There will also be broader skills and knowledge building needed to allow people to adopt low-carbon behaviours (e.g.…”