Association between the physical work environment and work functioning impairment while working from home under the COVID-19 pandemic in Japanese workers
Abstract
Objective
This study examined the relationship between the physical work environment and work functioning impairment while working from home in the context of rapid changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This cross-sectional study of internet monitors was conducted between December 22 and 26, 2020. Of a total of 33,302 participants, 5,760 who worked from home at least 1 day a month, excluding those who met the exclusion criteria, were included in the analysis. A binary subjective assessment of the physical work environment while working from home was used as an exposure factor. We examined 9 items related to the physical work environment, including level of illuminance and use of suitable desks and chairs, traditionally recommended for health and safety management when working at a desk. The number of non-conformities to 7 items was also used as an exposure factor. The presence of severe work functioning impairment was measured using the Work Functioning impairment Scale (WFun), a self-reported outcome measure of the degree of work functioning impairment. Odds ratios of severe work functioning impairment were estimated using mixed-effects logistic regression analysis with the prefecture of residence as a random effect.
Results
Multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratio of severe work functioning impairment was significantly higher among those who indicated “No” to all recommended items except for “I work at a desk/chair for office use.” The highest odds ratio of work functioning impairment was associated with a “No” response to “There is enough light to do my work” (aOR: 2.02, 95%CI: 1.73–2.35, p<0.01). Our results also suggest the presence of a dose-response relationship between the number of non-conformities to recommendations for work environments while working from home and work functioning impairment.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that it is important for both companies and individual workers to create a work environment that prevents negative health outcomes and improves productivity while working from home.
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