The University of Tsukuba, Japan, conducted a study looking into the health effects of telecommuting. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, commuting was a typical routine for workers worldwide. However, the need for social distancing forced many to work from home. Despite COVID-19 no longer being a threat, many employees still work from home.
Researchers believe that the change to telecommuting has caused changes in the physical health of workers. Furthermore, the team believes that physical activity, even using public transport, is essential to employees’ health. For this reason, they conducted a study to evaluate this theory.
According to Mamoru Taniguchi, a study author at the university, less physical activity could lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. Since commuting to work is part of physical activity, the team wanted to know how working from home has impacted employee health.
The team gathered data from 4500 participants that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Transport had compiled in an online poll during, after, and before the first lockdown in Japan. In addition, researchers used data from people who had worked about four hours.
Sumiko Ishibashi, another study author, states that the team was surprised by the results. He adds that those who still commuted to work had the highest rates of physical activity. On the other hand, those who worked from home had significantly less physical activity even after researchers counted their non-work trips.
The team found that the difference was larger among the younger population (18-29) who didn’t return to in-person work after the pandemic. Their trip-related physical activity could have been more present. Meanwhile, those who returned to work increased their trips and physical activity.
About 80% of respondents didn’t return to the office after the pandemic. They agreed that the lack of commuting impacted their lives negatively. However, it indicated that they were more aware of their health. The lack of physical activity also affected women more than men.
The researchers concluded that since remote work will not change, there should be programs to support those who telecommute to be more physically active. In addition, these programs aim to help young people and women lead healthier lives.