Longitudinal Association of Working From Home on Work Functioning Impairment in Desk Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective This study clarifies the longitudinal association between working from home and work functioning impairment among desk workers. Methods Nationwide surveys were conducted from 2020 to 2022, analyzing 3532 desk workers who never worked from home before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) of working from home at least once a month or more with the composite result (incidence of work functioning or reduced work participation) was 1.22 (1.04–1.43). The cause-specific hazard ratios of work functioning impairment and reduced work participation were 1.30 (1.04–1.61) and 1.13 (0.86–1.47). Conclusions Working from home could be longitudinally associated with work functioning impairment, especially for workers who are in higher positions. Workers and policy makers should be aware of the potential risk of working from home regarding presenteeism.