Influence of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Physical and Psychosocial Well-being and Work Productivity of Remote Workers: Cross-sectional Correlational Study

Abstract

Background Lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the living and working habits of millions of people, with potentially important implications for their physical, mental, and social well-being. Objective The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote workers who were not directly affected by COVID-19. Methods This was a correlational cross-sectional study (with an additional qualitative component) of 184 remote workers surveyed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Standard measures of mental health (Kessler-6 Distress Scale), productivity (Brief Instrument to Assess Workers’ Productivity During a Working Day), and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were used, and respondents were further surveyed on changes to their dietary, exercise, smoking, drinking, and socialization habits to produce a well-being change index. Results The results revealed associations between sedentary behavior and poorer mental health (τb=0.14) and between poorer mental health and low work productivity (τb=–0.39). However, both positive and negative lifestyle changes were reported; a self-reported increase in well-being (with respect to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socialization) since the start of the pandemic was associated with both better mental health (τb=–0.14) and better work productivity (τb=0.14). Of note, among respondents without a mental health diagnosis (137/184, 74.4%), we observed rates of moderate (76/137, 55.5%) and severe (17/137, 12.4%) psychological distress, which were markedly higher than those reported in large prepandemic studies; moreover, 70.1% (129/184) of our respondents reported more sedentary behavior, 41% (69/168) increased their alcohol consumption, and 38.6% (71/184) increased their overall food intake. However, 46% (75/163), 44.8% (39/87) and 51.8% (57/110) of respondents reported spending more time walking and engaging in more moderate and vigorous exercise, respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed many positive adaptations to lockdowns (eg, decreased commuting expenses, flexibility) but also a number of structural obstacles to remote working (eg, lack of support and high expectations from employers, childcare duties). Conclusions These findings may be of practical importance for policy makers and employers in a world in which work involves long-term remote or hybrid employment arrangements; strategies to promote more sustainable remote working are discussed.

Ocena poziomu aktywności fizycznej osób zatrudnionych w sektorze IT podczas pandemii COVID-19

“…The majority of respondents worked from home (remote work) during the pandemic (65.01%), which may have been a factor in the long time spent sitting during the day. According to Hernández et al [14] study involving remote workers, 70.1% reported a more sedentary lifestyle due to the pandemic. The change of workplace from office to home may also have affected the reduction in physical activity because some corporations allow physical activity by providing sports equipment in the office.…”

The Well-being of Brazilian Industry Workers on Returning to the Physical Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…As a result, both workers and companies may benefit from integrated health initiatives 73 because employees with compromised well-being are at risk of decreased productivity due to the correlation of reduced well-being with absenteeism and presenteeism 78 …”

Examining the associations of using the Calm app with team mindfulness and psychological safety in remote workers

“…Given the growing appreciation for the impact of team and workplace climate on employee mental health, companies need to understand if and how existing mental health resources (e.g., mindfulness meditation apps) can be used in the workplace to promote healthy team environments that foster team mindfulness and psychological safety. Furthermore, mindfulness meditation apps may be especially helpful for remote workers, who may feel more disconnected from their teammates due to a lack of in-person social interactions 23) . Exploring how remote workers use mindfulness meditation apps at work with their team can help illuminate the potential for future app-based team mindfulness interventions that address the mental wellbeing of remote workers.…”