Telework benefits and associated health problems during the long COVID-19 era

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Teleworking became a necessary practice as an alternative to office work during the long COVID-19 era. OBJECTIVES: To recognize the telework associated benefits and health problems and to assess the relationship between some teleworkers' characteristics, their health problems with job satisfaction and recuperation for promoting telework practices. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among employees working remotely in different work sectors using a questionnaire assessing job satisfaction and recuperation. RESULTS: Telework benefits included saving time and money (89.3%), minimizing the COVID-19 spread (86.9%), and balancing of work and life (63.4%). Telework associated health problems included musculoskeletal (78.2%), work-related stress (65.9%), and visual problems (47%). Telework job satisfaction was significantly higher among married male workers, working less than 40hs/week, and with previous remote working experience before COVID-19. On the other hand, married female teleworkers working more than 40hs/week and without previous remote working experience before COVID-19 had significantly more perceived fatigue and less recuperation. All teleworkers with reported health problems showed significantly more perceived fatigue and less recuperation. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the participants recommended continuing teleworking post-COVID-19 due to its benefits on their working and social life. Telework would enables the employers to adapt and satisfy the teleworkers' expectations to maintain their work and productivity.