Work - Volume 71, issue 2

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213628

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 293-294, 2022

Authors: English, Larry

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Centric Consulting is a business and technology consulting firm that employs over 1,100 people across the U.S. and India. It was founded in 1999 as a virtual-first organization. With more than two decades of success as a remote-first company, Centric offers valuable insight into how other organizations can continue to find success and retain top talent in a virtual or hybrid setting. OBJECTIVE: This case study unpacks the elements necessary for success as a virtual-first organization, explaining why each element is important and how business leaders can achieve them. CASE REPORT: This …case study identifies the following factors as vital to success for remote organizations: trust in employees; embracing flexibility; strong interpersonal relationships; investment in quality tools and technology; hiring for culture fit; culture-focused mentorship; strategic in-person encounters; and continuous culture improvement. CONCLUSION: Remote-first organizations must prioritize relationship-building and culture. Leaders of remote organizations must focus on empowering employees. Show more

Keywords: Work from home, future of work, hybrid workplace, remote

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210701

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 295-298, 2022

Authors: Black, Nancy L. | St-Onge, Samuelle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Computer-intensive office work associations with health challenges may intensify following COVID-19 pandemic-related changes to home-based office work. OBJECTIVE: To determine working conditions, perception and physical elements affecting health after pivoting to full time home-work. METHODS: An online questionnaire addressed physical, productivity, motivation, and work-practice factors. Photos of the worker in their home-work environment showed side and front-back perspectives. RESULTS: Sixteen questionnaires were received, and 12 respondents supplied photos. Home and office workplace differences varied. Ten felt productivity was affected, most often positively. Four noted increased pain or fatigue intensity, particularly in the eyes, …neck / head, lower back, and shoulders. Working posture was not optimal; six didn’t use traditional chair-sitting for up to half the day. Forward and backward trunk inclination accounted for at least 10% of the workday for 12 respondents; lateral inclination affected ten and eight had unsupported legs. Fifteen used an adjustable chair, but photos revealed ergonomic recommendations were not consistently followed. Fourteen participants communicated regularly by telephone, eight only for moderate duration and ten using adapted telephone equipment. Half of the ROSA scores were high. CONCLUSIONS: Workers forced into telework during the pandemic experience positive and negative impacts. Postures vary more than in offices, potentially increasing health risk. Show more

Keywords: Telework, office ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, posture, change, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210726

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 299-308, 2022

Authors: MacLean, Kathleen F.E. | Neyedli, Heather F. | Dewis, Colleen | Frayne, Ryan J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The recent mandate for university faculty and staff to work-from-home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic has forced employees to work with sub-optimal ergonomic workstations that may change their musculoskeletal discomfort and pain. As women report more work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WMSD), this effect may be exacerbated in women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe university employee at-home office workstations, and explore if at-home workstation design mediates the effect of gender on musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: University employees completed a survey that focused on the WFH environment, at home workstation design and …musculoskeletal pain. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the responses. RESULTS: 61% of respondents reported an increase in musculoskeletal pain, with the neck, shoulders and lower back being reported most frequently. Women reported significantly greater musculoskeletal pain, but this relationship was significantly mediated by poor ergonomic design of the home workstation. Improper seat-height and monitor distance were statistically associated with total-body WMSD. CONCLUSIONS: WFH has worsened employee musculoskeletal health and the ergonomic gap between women and men in the workspace has persisted in the WFH environment, with seat height and monitor distance being identified as significant predictors of discomfort/pain. Show more

Keywords: Work from home, occupational musculoskeletal discomfort, computer work, anthropometric differences

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210692

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 309-318, 2022

Authors: Kotowski, Susan E. | Davis, Kermit G. | Gerding, Thomas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many individuals continued to work from home even after nearly 9 months since the COVID-19 pandemic started in spring of 2020. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a follow-up survey of the faculty and staff of a large Midwest university to determine whether there had been any changes to their home work environment and health outcomes since a prior survey conducted at the start of the pandemic in spring of 2020. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent out to all employees, staff, and administration (approximately 10,350 individuals) and was completed by 1,135 individuals. RESULTS: It was …found that not much had changed after nearly 9 months of working at home. Faculty and staff continued to primarily use laptops without an external keyboard, monitor or mouse. Few participants reported using chairs with adjustable armrests. These conditions continued to result in high levels of body discomfort (49% neck and head, 45% low back, and 62% upper back and shoulders having moderate to severe pain). CONCLUSION: If workers are going to continue to work from home, companies will need to accommodate them with more than a laptop, and should include an external keyboard, monitor, and mouse. Show more

Keywords: Telework, musculoskeletal disorders, keyboards, laptops, breaks human-computer interface

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211052

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 319-326, 2022

Authors: Swathi, P.S. | Saoji, Apar Avinash | Bhat, Raghavendra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prolonged usage of digital displays leads to visual strain and, in turn, impairs psychological well-being. The practice of Yoga is said to enhance psychological functions and reduce visual strain. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the effect of the trataka (Yogic visual concentration) practice on the visual strain, mind-wandering, and mindfulness. METHODS: One hundred six volunteers equally distributed in the experimental and control groups completed the study. Visual Fatigue Scale (VFS), visual symptoms checklist (VSC), mind-wandering questionnaire (MWQ), and State Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (SMAAS) were administered at baseline and at the end of two …weeks. RESULTS: All variables were similar at the baseline in both groups, and significant differences were noted at the end of two weeks between both groups. There was a significant reduction in VFS and VSC scores, MWQ, along with an increase in SMAAS scores in the experimental group. Although there were significant changes in VFS, MWQ, and SMAAS in the control group, the magnitude of change was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of trataka was found to reduce the visual strain, mind wandering while improving the state mindfulness. The practice can be implemented to mitigate visual strain and associated psychological implications due to prolonged exposure to digital displays, which has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Show more

Keywords: Mindfulness, mind-wandering, psychology, visual strain, yoga, yogic visual concentration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210834

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 327-333, 2022

Authors: McKee, Cameron | Hedge, Alan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a large increase in the use of the home office environment. Compared to traditional commercial offices, home offices typically have more variable lighting conditions that can affect the worker’s performance and well-being. OBJECTIVE: To review and discuss various lighting sources and their ergonomic impacts on the population of office employees now working from home. Specifically addressing the impacts of electronic light from screens, daylight, and task lighting’s impact on health and well-being in the frame of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Over 75 ergonomic and lighting literature publications covering various …work environments were reviewed, with a focus on the health effects of screen light, daylight, and task light. RESULTS: Resulting from the literature review, design recommendations regarding the safety and health of home office lighting conditions are discussed. CONCLUSION: As COVID-19 continues to encourage remote working, individuals will be exposed to daylight and screen light in different ways compared to a traditional office environment. The impact of these different lighting conditions should be further studied to understand best design and well-being practices. Show more

Keywords: Screen light, daylight, task lighting, remote work, home work environment; COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210704

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 335-343, 2022

Authors: Pradoto, Herlam | Haryono, Siswoyo | Wahyuningsih, Sri Handari

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The spread of COVID-19 around the world has caused many undesirable effects on human health. The pandemic forced the employees to resort to Remote Work (RW)/Work from Home (WFH) according to the nature of the jobs. Consequently, organizations, business process and results are affected and organizational and commercial activities are significantly reduced. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of work stress and organizational climate on employee performance in the context of WFH in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). METHOD: This study used a purposive sampling strategy and …determined using the Slovin equation and equals 95 employees in marketing, business restructuring and finance. The Partial Least Square (PLS) approach and and the SmartPLS version 3.0 software for data analysis processing procedures for hypothesis testing were used. RESULTS: The results revealed that the organizational environment has a negative and significant effect on job stress. Furthermore, job stress had a negative impact on employee performance and the organizational climate had a favorable and considerable impact on employee performance. CONCLUSION: The lower the level of work stress, the higher the employee performance, and vice versa. Organizational climate has a positive and significant effect on employee performance, which means that the organization’s climate is conducive, so the employee performance will increase and vice versa. Show more

Keywords: Job satisfaction, job performance, job stress, workplace, WFH, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210678

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 345-355, 2022

Authors: Ahmadi, Fereshteh | Zandi, Saeid | Cetrez, Önver A. | Akhavan, Sharareh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic changed the academic world in various ways, and most universities are still closed and continue operating via teleworking. OBJECTIVE: This study is intended to investigate how university faculty/staff and students in Sweden have coped with the lockdown and working/studying from home during the pandemic. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 277 women and men working and studying at different universities in Sweden. RESULTS: The results indicate that most (61%) respondents were very or somewhat satisfied with the current work-from-home arrangement. Additionally, they indicate that, overall, almost …30% were working more than usual due to the pandemic and teleworking. The coping methods having the highest impact on overall job satisfaction were: “thinking about what I can do rather than what I can’t do”; “being able to access medical resources and medical services if I need to seek help”; and “having trust in state or health authorities in my country.” CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that Sweden can serve as a good example of how university faculty/staff and students can address the occupational challenges caused by a health pandemic and possible subsequent quarantines. Show more

Keywords: Coping, coronavirus, pandemic, occupational health, telecommuting, teleworking

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210442

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 357-370, 2022

Authors: Zalat, Marwa | Bolbol, Sarah

Article Type: Research Article

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. Show more

Keywords: Pandemic, Saudi Arabia, job satisfaction, recuperation, working from home, coronavirus

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210691

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 371-378, 2022

Authors: Kumaresan, A. | Suganthirababu, Prathap | Srinivasan, Vignesh | Vijay Chandhini, Y. | Divyalaxmi, P. | Alagesan, Jagatheesan | Vishnuram, Surya | Ramana, K. | Prathap, Lavanya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many countries adopted a complete or partial lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and various professions started to work-from-home. People who work-from-home experience constant stress which leads to burnout syndrome. Burnout can be defined as a chronic stress-induced occupational syndrome resulting in fatigue, decreased job productivity, and poor motivation towards the job. OBJECTIVE: This research work primarily focuses on exploring the prevalence of burnout syndrome among IT professionals who work-from-home and to determine the impact of burnout in different gender and age-groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Using snowball sampling method 934 IT professionals …were selected based on selection criteria, explained about the study processes, and instructed to submit an online survey consist of Maslach Burnout Inventory scale (MBI) through mail, social media, or through a researcher by direct interview. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. In 25–30 years age-group, men were affected (93%) less than women (94%) and also in 31–35 years age-group, men were affected (96%) less than women (98%). Overall burnout scores of men were 94% and women were 96%. Results indicate female IT professionals were more prone experience burnout syndrome than Male population. CONCLUSIONS: From the results, it is concluded that 95% of the IT professionals are suffering from burnout, where women are more prevalent to burnout when compared to male. It is also suggested that an early, routine and frequent assessment of physical status, mental status and burnout syndrome is essential to maintain mental health. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211040

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 379-384, 2022

Authors: Abbott-Gaffney, Cynthia R. | Gafni-Lachter, Liat | Cason, Jana | Sheaffer, Katherine | Harasink, Rachael | Donehower, Kelsey | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapy (OT) services delivered through telehealth demonstrated comparative effectiveness to in-person services. At the onset of the pandemic, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) needed to continue delivering care to clients without being in-person. Many OT practitioners pivoted rapidly to telehealth, in many instances, with very little training. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the use of telehealth in occupational therapy during the early stages of the pandemic, and to explore how participants traversed the barriers. The perceived benefits and barriers to success with rapid …telehealth adoption as experienced by OTPs, along with the specific strategies used to promote favorable outcomes may inform ongoing successful telehealth use in occupational therapy. METHOD: This study used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Data was collected from September to December 2020 with an electronic survey. RESULTS: A total of 193 OTPs completed the survey, representing the delivery of OT services in 13 countries. Three main barriers to the use of telehealth were availability of materials, mastery of technology, and collaboration with caregivers/e-helpers. These barriers were negatively and significantly correlated with the participants’ confidence level in the use of telehealth. Participants overcame barriers by independently obtaining telehealth training, including training within one’s organization, support from social media, self-directed learning, and paid online telehealth webinars. CONCLUSION: Employers and educators can remove barriers to telehealth use by OTPs by providing a variety of learning opportunities and supports to enhance practitioners’ confidence, thus increasing the likelihood of continued use of telehealth as a powerful and gap-bridging delivery model in occupational therapy. Show more

Keywords: Work from home, school-based practice, remote, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210789

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 385-394, 2022

Authors: El Kadri Filho, Fauzi | Roberto de Lucca, Sérgio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The imposition of telework by the COVID-19 pandemic represented a challenge for companies and workers with regard to the management and organization of the workplace at home. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ergonomic risks, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms as well as the relationships between these variables in employees of a Brazilian labor judiciary unit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 55 employees who had their workstations evaluated by means of the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA-Br) and answered a questionnaire of sociodemographic and occupational characterization, the dimensions of workstation and …posture of the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br-revised), the short version of the Job Stress Scale and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). RESULTS: The workstations evaluations by ROSA-Br and MUEQ-Br-revised showed a strong correlation between themselves and to body posture, but they were not related to the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Body posture and demands were correlated to each other and with to occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Shoulders, neck and wrists / hands were the most affected body regions. CONCLUSIONS: Companies that adopt teleworking for their employees must be aware of working conditions at home, including the workload, and offer adequate support in order to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, ergonomics, occupational stress, musculoskeletal pain, teleworking, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210490

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 395-405, 2022

Authors: Kotowski, Susan E. | Davis, Kermit G. | Barratt, Clare L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Teachers have had to deal with many of the negative aspects of COVID-19 over the past year. The demands associated with the sudden requirement to teach remotely, and later having to manage hybrid (both in person and online) learning may be having adverse effects on the mental and physical health of teachers. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether COVID-19 continued to impact teacher stress, burnout, and well-being a year into the pandemic. METHODS: An online survey was sent out to 5300 teachers in public and private schools, and 703 completed the survey. RESULTS: Stress and …burnout continue to be high for teachers, with 72% of teachers feeling very or extremely stressed, and 57% feel very or extremely burned out. Many teachers struggled to have a satisfactory work-family balance (37% never or almost never; 20% only has sometimes). CONCLUSION: School systems must start to deal with the mental and physical health of teachers before a large number of them leave the profession. Show more

Keywords: Telework, online teaching, primary school, pandemic, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210994

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 407-415, 2022

Authors: Horton, Nicholas | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected societal norms and shifted much of the workforce in the United States to a virtual landscape. Working and learning from home (or “remotely”) has become common in nearly every field, including higher level education. Each institution has implemented policies regarding remote work, and with the different policies educators are confronted with different conditions which affect their perceived level of stress and quality of working life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine how the transition to working from home contributes to work-related stress and perceived quality of life among …postsecondary educators during the first year of COVID-19 related institutional working policies. METHOD: The study used a cross-sectional survey design. The survey was distributed online using email and social media to 1,575 postsecondary teachers in all four regions of the United States between February and March 2021. The survey collected demographic and institutional policy information related to remote work, in addition to the Work-Related Quality of Life Survey which gathers data on indicators of general well-being, job satisfaction, perceived control at work, perceived stress at work, working conditions, and work-life balance. RESULTS: Data was analyzed from 222 (14% response rate) respondents; 49% worked remotely full-time, 47% worked on a hybrid schedule (part-time remote, part-time on campus), and 4% were on campus full-time. The findings suggest that postsecondary teachers who worked in a hybrid program throughout 2020 felt they had more control at work and a higher overall quality of working life, while those who worked remote only or on-campus only felt more stress at work. The results also suggest that less time spent working from home contributes to higher stress and the perception of decreased control at work. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the survey results, remote working policies in higher education institutions have an impact on work-related quality of life and stress felt by their faculty. These findings can be used to guide the implementation of work-from-home or return-to-campus policies. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, occupational stress, job satisfaction, working environment, post-secondary teachers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210819

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 417-421, 2022

Authors: Moslander, Delaney | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid adaptation of online education, requiring university students to complete their schoolwork remotely. There is a gap in the evidence-based literature regarding these novel home workstations and the potential to help students understand ergonomics and adjust their workstations. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine if a remote ergonomics intervention would encourage students to make improvements to their workstation and increase their knowledge of ergonomics. METHODS: Participants completed an ergonomics quiz, workstation evaluation, activity time log, and photographs of their workstation. There were three randomly assigned groups, the control group of 26 …participants and the first and second intervention groups with 25 participants each. The first and second intervention groups received information sheets regarding proper workstations. The second intervention group was also required to participate in an ergonomics workshop. Six weeks after receiving the interventions, the control group and two intervention groups completed the materials once again. Eight participants from the control group, 12 from the information intervention group, and 14 from the participatory intervention group completed the study. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA tests between the three groups suggest there was no significant difference in ergonomic knowledge or changes made to workstations. However, the remote participatory ergonomics group increased their level of knowledge about ergonomics. CONCLUSIONS: An ergonomics intervention did not impact one group to change their workstation more than others in six weeks. Future studies on this topic should be conducted over a longer amount of time and with more participants to allow for more opportunities for behavior and workstation changes. Show more

Keywords: Telehealth, workstations, COVID-19 pandemic, participatory ergonomics intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210689

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 423-431, 2022

Authors: Kotowski, Susan E. | Davis, Kermit G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the COVID-19 pandemic took root in the United States, most universities quickly transitioned to online and remained there through spring 2021. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to identify the impact of the switch to online on student home offices and corresponding health outcomes. METHODS: An online survey was sent out to all student at a large Midwest university to assess the work practices and health outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 1074 responses were completed. The shift to online not only resulted in most students utilizing laptop computers without external monitors, keyboards, or mouse …input devices, but also a major increase in the amount of time spent using technology (on average 31 to 40 hours per week). The amount of severe to extreme discomfort in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and lower back was alarming (above 41%). CONCLUSION: The home offices of students were often sub-optimal, indicating the need to educate university students. Show more

Keywords: Telework, musculoskeletal disorders, human-computer interface, musculoskeletal discomfort, keyboard, laptops, breaks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210905

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 433-440, 2022

Authors: Rampasso, Izabela Simon | Santana, Monica | Serafim, Milena Pavan | Dibbern, Thais | Rodrigues, Edilson A. | Filho, Walter Leal | Anholon, Rosley

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic made workers suddenly change their routines and several companies adopted a remote work modality. This change quickly started to be analysed in academic literature. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform a scientific mapping on the theme “remote work” to highlight the prominent themes associated with the subject for 2020 and 2021, covering the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying mainly the “motor themes”, this study contributes to identify themes developed and relevant to the subjects analyzed. METHODS: An initial sample of 479 articles published in the analyzed period was …listed from the Web of Science database. After analysing these articles, 186 were selected and were analyzed by Scimat software. Journals and references were also analyzed. RESULTS: The centrality and density indexes of the sub-themes “job-satisfaction” and “flexible-work” were more evidenced in the analysis, enabling the classification of these sub-themes directly as “motor themes”. Regarding the density index of the sub-theme, the classification “stress” was less seen. After a careful analysis of the articles content, it was verified that this is also a “motor theme”. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the three defined “motor themes”, they can be considered the most developed and important sub-themes of study in this field and, therefore, need to be well understood by new researchers in the field. In addition, these findings show that the mentioned sub-themes must be focused on by managers, considering the relevance that the literature attributes to them. Show more

Keywords: Business management, remote work, employees management, scientific mapping, scimat, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210912

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 441-450, 2022

Authors: Robertson, Michelle M. | Lee, Jin | Huang, Yueng-Hsiang | Schleifer, Lawrence

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Virtual office work, or telework/remote work, has existed since the 1970s due to the widespread availability of new technologies. Despite a dramatic increase in remote office work, few studies have examined its long-term effects on work environments and worker well-being. OBJECTIVE: A prospective field intervention study was undertaken to examine the effects of a Virtual Office program on office workers’ psychosocial perceptions, mental and physical well-being, workplace satisfaction, and performance. METHOD: A large public service organization undertook a 12-month Virtual Office (VO) pilot program using a systems approach. The study included 137 …VO employees (intervention condition), and 85 Conventional Office (CO) employees (control condition). The VO intervention used a work system approach consisting of establishing a steering committee, training programs, and VO resource website. Employee survey measures and follow-up focus group observations were used to examine the impact of the VO intervention. RESULTS: Virtual office participants reported higher job control, group interactions and cohesiveness, and quality of supervision than the CO participants. VO participants reported lower upper body musculoskeletal symptoms and physical/mental stress than CO participants. VO participants reported higher performance (customer satisfaction) than the CO participants. CONCLUSION: The study findings were sufficiently positive to provide a basis for work organizations to undertake similar pilot programs. Consideration of work system factors when designing an effective VO program can benefit employee’s well-being and performance. The rationale for implementing VO programs is underscored by the current COVID-19 pandemic. VO work will continue to some degree for the foreseeable future. Show more

Keywords: Telework, prospective design, field study, macroergonomics, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210698

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 451-464, 2022

Authors: Sarnosky, Kamrie | Benden, Mark | Sansom, Garett | Cizmas, Leslie | Regan, Annette K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Remote working may enhance company resiliency during natural disasters and other events causing workplace displacement. OBJECTIVE: We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to investigate the impact of Hurricane Harvey on employee computer use during and after a seven-month displacement period from the physical workplace. METHODS: Ergonomic software was used to collect information on employees’ computer usage. RESULTS: Although there was no change in total computer use in response to the hurricane (β 0.25), active computer use significantly declined (β –0.90). All measured computer use behaviors returned to baseline prior to the complete …return to the physical workspace. CONCLUSION: Despite a transient period of reduced activity during closure of the workplace building, productivity returned to normal prior to the employees’ return to a commercial workspace. The ability to work remotely may improve resiliency of employees to perform workplace tasks during events causing workplace displacement. Show more

Keywords: Disaster resiliency, interrupted time series, remote work, virtual workspace, employee adjustment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210707

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 2, pp. 465-470, 2022