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Hall CE, Davidson L, Brooks SK, Greenberg N, Weston D. The relationship between homeworking during COVID-19 and both, mental health, and productivity: a systematic review. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:188. [PMID: 37370153 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As of March 2020, the UK public were instructed to work from home where possible and as a result, nearly half of those in employment did so during the following month. Pre-pandemic, around 5% of workers chose to work from home; it was often seen as advantageous, for example due to eliminating commuting time and increasing flexibility. However, homeworking also had negative connotations, for example, blurred boundaries between work and home life due to a sense of constant connectivity to the workplace. Understanding the psychological impact of working from home in an enforced and prolonged manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic is important. Therefore, this review sought to establish the relationship between working from home, mental health, and productivity. METHODS In January 2022, literature searches were conducted across four electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsycInfo and Web of Science. In February 2022 grey literature searches were conducted using Google Advanced Search, NHS Evidence; Gov.uk Publications and the British Library directory of online doctoral theses. Published and unpublished literature which collected data after March 2020, included participants who experienced working from home for at least some of their working hours, and detailed the association in terms of mental health or productivity were included. RESULTS In total 6,906 citations were screened and 25 papers from electronic databases were included. Grey literature searching resulted in two additional papers. Therefore, 27 studies were included in this review. Findings suggest the association between homeworking and both, mental health and productivity varies considerably, suggesting a complex relationship, with many factors (e.g., demographics, occupation) having an influence on the relationship. CONCLUSION We found that there was no clear consensus as to the association between working from home and mental health or productivity. However, there are indications that those who start homeworking for the first time during a pandemic are at risk of poor productivity, as are those who experience poor mental health. Suggestions for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Hall
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
- Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
| | - Louise Davidson
- Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK
| | - Samantha K Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Dale Weston
- Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
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Faghy MA, Whitsel L, Arena R, Smith A, Ashton REM. A united approach to promoting healthy living behaviours and associated health outcomes: a global call for policymakers and decisionmakers. J Public Health Policy 2023:10.1057/s41271-023-00409-6. [PMID: 37072600 PMCID: PMC10112301 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-023-00409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic disease pandemics have challenged societies and public health throughout history and remain ever-present. Despite increased knowledge, awareness and advancements in medicine, technology, and global initiatives the state of global health is declining. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has compounded the current perilous state of global health, and the long-term impact is yet to be realised. A coordinated global infrastructure could add substantial benefits to public health and yield prominent and consistent policy resulting in impactful change. To achieve global impact, research priorities that address multi-disciplinary social, environmental, and clinical must be supported by unified approaches that maximise public health. We present a call to action for established public health organisations and governments globally to consider the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and unite with true collaborative efforts to address current, longstanding, and growing challenges to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Faghy
- Biomedical and Clinical Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK.
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Laurie Whitsel
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA
- American Heart Association, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ross Arena
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andy Smith
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ruth E M Ashton
- Biomedical and Clinical Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA
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Santana GL, Baptista MC, Gomes de Matos GA, Ogata AJN, Malik AM, Andrade LH. The Well-being of Brazilian Industry Workers on Returning to the Physical Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e246-e254. [PMID: 36728099 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess the prevalence and predictors of well-being among Brazilian industry workers on returning to the physical workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Two thousand two hundred forty-one participants completed an online survey between October and November 2021. Well-being was assessed with the World Health Organization Well-being Index, and the questionnaire also addressed sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and the health of workers and their contacts. Associations were estimated with logistic regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of adequate well-being was 63.15%. The predictors of poor well-being included being female, younger, working exclusively from home or on a hybrid model, having comorbid disorders, and living with someone with any comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS The identification of vulnerable groups with poor well-being may help organizations to direct efforts to the unmet psychological needs of these employees and develop well-being programs during this transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geilson Lima Santana
- From the Section of Psychiatric Epidemiology-Medical Research Laboratory 23 (LIM 23), Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (G.L.S., M.C.B., and L.H.A.); Industrial Social Service (SESI), Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI), Brasilia, Brazil (G.A.G.d.M.); and São Paulo School of Business Administration, Fundação Getulio Vargas, São Paulo, Brazil (A.J.N.O. and A.M.M.)
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Paltrinieri S, Bressi B, Mazzini E, Fugazzaro S, Rondini E, Giorgi Rossi P, Costi S. Activities Carried Out during the First COVID-19 Lockdown by Italian Citizens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3906. [PMID: 36900917 PMCID: PMC10001561 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has altered how citizens engage in activities. This study describes the new activities citizens engaged in during the first lockdown, factors that helped them cope with the confinement, the supports they used the most, and which supports they would have liked to receive. This cross-sectional study consists of an online survey made of 49 questions that was completed by the citizens of the province of Reggio Emilia (Italy) from 4 May until 15 June 2020. The outcomes of this study were explored by focusing on four of the survey questions. Of the 1826 citizens who responded, 84.2% had started new leisure activities. Males, participants who lived in the plain or foothills, and those who experienced nervousness engaged less in new activities, while those whose employment status changed, whose lifestyle worsened, or whose use of alcohol increased engaged in more activities. The support of family and friends, leisure activities, continuing to work, and an optimistic attitude were perceived to be of help. Grocery delivery and hotlines providing any type of information and mental health support were used frequently; a lack of health and social care services and of support in reconciling work with childcare was perceived. Findings may help institutions and policy makers to better support citizens in any future circumstances requiring prolonged confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Paltrinieri
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Public Health Sciences PhD Program, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bressi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzini
- Scientific Directorate Hospital Network, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefania Fugazzaro
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ermanno Rondini
- Lega Italiana Contro i Tumori-LILT Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Regional Center for Education in Health Promotion-Luoghi di Prevenzione, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgi Rossi
- Epidemiology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefania Costi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Puzia ME, Green J, Clarke C, Cloonan S, Huberty J. Examining the associations of using the Calm app with team mindfulness and psychological safety in remote workers. ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2022-0001-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeni Green
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
| | | | - Sara Cloonan
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University
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Changes in Workers’ Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has changed the world and strongly affected the health of the people and the quality of their life. These changes might impact employees’ physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). This study aimed to summarize the literature focusing on the COVID-19-caused changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior among the adult working population. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in June 2021 using multiple electronic databases. The following keywords and synonyms were used during the searching process: physical activity, sedentary behavior, COVID-19, employee. After the data cleaning process (duplicates, inclusion criteria), the title and the abstract of all manuscripts from the searches were screened independently by two reviewers. Results: Thirty-nine manuscripts were selected as a result of the searching process. Of these, 5 were SB related, 15 were PA related and 19 addressed both PA and SB. There were longitudinal (10), cross-sectional (28) and a case study (1) in the selected manuscripts. The majority of studies were conducted in the USA (6) and Europe (18), and four studies examined the PA and/or SB in multiple countries. The majority (34 studies) of the studies used subjective, self-reported, but mostly before-validated questionnaires. Objective measures were less common and used only 12.8% of the examined studies. Moreover, 76.4% of the studies described an overall decrease in the amount of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic. In three cases, researchers observed an increase in PA among the workers. Five studies reported no significant changes in the amount of PA during the pandemic. As far as SB is concerned, 18 out of 24 of the studies reported an overall increase in the amount of SB between the two periods. Four manuscripts reported no significant change in the amount of SB, and there was only one manuscript in the examined studies that reported an overall decrease in the SB time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdown and work from home (WFH) policies, impaired the PA and SB level of the populations. This period has delivered an important message for the adult working population as well. They should be as active as possible and avoid high levels of SB and uninterrupted sitting time. Therefore, organizations, policies and public health bodies should motivate workers, especially office workers, to be more active and interventions must be developed to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 on PA and SB.
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