New research from King’s College London finds that home workers’ sense of workload and ability to “switch off” after work significantly affect their health and well-being. The study points to both the advantages and challenges of working from home, with outcomes depending heavily on whether organizations have supportive policies for worker well-being.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work surged among employees who were typically office-based. While there’s ample research on health and well-being in office settings, home-working’s effects on health have been largely overlooked by public health initiatives. The study sought to understand how psychological responses to home-working impact health-related behaviors.

Healthy approach

The researchers surveyed 491 home workers, asking about factors such as workspace flexibility, daily sedentary time, and sleep quality. Their responses fell into four main areas: home-working independence, home-working transition, daily work pressure, and work-day planning. These areas reflect distinct patterns of how home-working practices shape well-being.

The study shows a complex picture: workers who felt overwhelmed by their workload or unable to switch off in the evenings were more likely to experience poor health outcomes, such as increased sedentary behavior, higher stress levels, and burnout. Conversely, those who felt in control of their schedule reported higher job satisfaction, better well-being, and reduced sedentary time.

The authors don’t conclude that home working is inherently beneficial or harmful. Instead, they highlight that home-working can impact health differently depending on each worker’s experience. Those with autonomy over their day see health benefits and greater job satisfaction, while those struggling with workload or boundaries may face elevated stress.

“If home working is here to stay, public health policies must account for these varied stressors to ensure that workers’ health and well-being are protected and supported,” the authors conclude.