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New academic research suggests working from home may offer significant long-term benefits for workers’ physical and mental health, if the arrangement is voluntary.
A four-year Australian study conducted by the University of South Australia, beginning prior to the pandemic, tracked worker wellbeing during the shift to remote work and found that flexibility in work location improves job satisfaction and overall health.
The researchers said offering employees the option to work remotely “significantly improves the well-being and happiness of employees, transforming our relationship with work.”
Although some contradictory findings emerged, the research concluded that those who work from home by choice experience better outcomes. For example, remote workers gained nearly 30 minutes of extra sleep per night during the pandemic. The study links this change to an obvious reduction in commuting time, which previously averaged 4.5 hours per week for Australians and was “correlated with poorer mental health and a poorer perception of one’s own health.”
While there was a brief increase in alcohol use, the researchers reported a “trend towards greater wellbeing” overall.
Leisure, food choices shift with saved time
Much of the time saved from commuting is being reinvested in other parts of life. A study referenced by the researchers shows remote workers gain up to ten extra days annually for other activities. The team found workers allocated this time to additional work, caregiving, or leisure, with one-third specifically going to rest and hobbies.
“By devoting more time to leisure when working from home, there are more opportunities to be physically active and less sedentary,” the research said.
Diet also appears to improve under home-based work conditions. Although snacking rose initially, consumption of vegetables, fruit and dairy products increased, along with a shift toward preparing more home-cooked meals.
Productivity fears not supported by findings
Despite early concerns from some employers about drops in performance under remote work, the study found no such decline. In fact, it reported productivity was “maintained and even improved when employees work from home.”
The findings echo other research and point to a need for updated management models suitable for hybrid or remote environments.
The study highlighted a distinction between optioonal and compulsory remote work. When working from home was mandatory, wellbeing dropped. hen employees chose the arrangement, however, the benefits were much greater, especially when supported by colleagues and their company.
Team cohesion and advancement opportunities remain areas of concern, but the study found little impact on performance overall.
The authors concluded that “our approach to work must evolve,” urging businesses to design flexible systems that support diverse needs, adding that work-from-home is not a one-size-fits-all model but an option that, when executed thoughtfully, supports both employee wellbeing and business outcomes.
