Is working from home bad for your health?

Is working from home bad for your health?

The numbers of employees now suffering from a long-term condition has hit a record high, says the Office for National Statistics: in the first quarter of 2023, 2.5 million employees were off sick with an ongoing condition.

In its report, the ONS has pointed to the figures as being driven by more people working from home, as well as problems being caused by a lack of access to NHS services.

Different at home

The two biggest causes in the rise are said to be musculoskeletal problems alongside a spike in “depression, bad nerves and anxiety”.

Rather than issues with desks and chairs and posture, the back and neck problems are believed to have been caused by a basic lack of movement: no commute involving walking, no going up and down stairs to meetings etc.

The increase in mental health problems has been most common among younger employees, perhaps less used to spending time on their own and needing the day-to-day support and social contact of being in a workplace.

Mindful changes

EAPA UK Chair, Karl Bennett said: “Right from the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the surge in remote working there were signals that being at home wasn’t for everyone. For many people it’s the most practical option and comes with advantages when it comes to looking after children or family members, or just for the sheer sense of freedom and not losing time in a car or on public transport.

“But we’re all different. Some personality types need the constant buzz and stimulation of a workplace for their health, to keep them motivated and active; others appreciate more quiet time, or at least more of a balance. Dealing with the issue of long-term absence involves making sure flexible working is backed up by flexible support and conversations, taking into account all the different characters and circumstances that people have at home. Good relationships and opportunities to talk are essential for making sure there are early interventions.”