The COVID-19 pandemic has shut down a lot of dreams and opportunities for many people, regardless of their socio-economic status. In many countries, employees were laid off because businesses could not operate as usual, with some even going bankrupt—both are negative impacts of the health restrictions laid out to prevent the spread of the virus that included the pause on non-essential services.
However, all the doom and gloom also opened a few possibilities. One of these is long-term work-from-home (WFH) arrangements.
Companies Preferring Work-from-Home Arrangements
Often considered to be a longshot in the past for many companies, working from home has become the go-to setup for businesses that want to reduce the number of people working in their offices at the same time. This arrangement has become so popular that some companies have even shifted to a work-from-home system indefinitely.
Work-from-home setups offer several benefits to companies. The fewer people they have in the office, the smaller the space they need, which, in turn, results in lower office upkeep. This arrangement also promotes work-life balance, which employees appreciate.
Finally, working from home keeps the company running without the risk of virus transmission; instead, employees finish their tasks in a safe and virus-free environment: their homes.
Adverse Health Effects on WFH Employees
While there are a ton of benefits in a work-from-home arrangement, it also leads to a few concerns, primarily when it comes to the employees’ mental and physical health:
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Muscle and Skeletal Health Problems
One of the most glaring negative effects of WFH arrangements is the lack of physical activity among employees. Because they do not need to commute to work, they rarely go out and engage in physical activities or exercise. This can be a problem in the long run.
Employees are stuck to their seats throughout the day and then spend after-work hours sitting or lying down, watching something on their TVs or tinkering smartphones. This lifestyle devoid of exercise will lead to muscle and posture problems.
If this lifestyle is left unchecked, it may lead to health complications, including vision problems. To make matters worse, science has proven that physical inactivity causes heart disease.
Employees must motivate themselves to continue their workouts, even at home. A quick search on YouTube of home workouts that they can follow will give them that much-needed physical activity.
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Burnout
In a traditional office setup of co-working spaces, the workload is often given and completed during the workday. After leaving the office, employees would shift their focus on other things, such as going home, going out with friends, spending time with family, and resting.
However, in a work-from-home setup, employees may feel overwhelmed with everything they need to finish within the day. Aside from taking care of work, they also need to think about chores like cooking meals, cleaning the house, keeping an eye on the kids, etc.
It is also exhausting whenever WFH employees worry about internet problems or technical issues, which may be difficult to explain in an online setup. When these problems pile up, it can lead to burnout.
Several factors may be observed in an employee who is experiencing burnout. They can become increasingly unproductive at work, often come in (or logs in) late, do not work well in groups, and lack enthusiasm in everything they do. The problem with burnout is that it can affect other members of the team.
Employers should be open to listening to their employees’ issues with working from home and help them find a workable solution that will not get in the way of their tasks.
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Depression
The lack of companionship between colleagues can lead to feelings of isolation or even depression. No matter how far technology has improved in connecting people, nothing beats an actual, physical connection between friends and co-workers. An employee who thrives in social circles will suffer in a work-from-home arrangement.
This depression may result in productivity problems both at home and in work duties.
Battling Physical and Mental Issues of Working from Home
Giant companies have shifted to remote work indefinitely due to the pandemic, and some are saying that WFH arrangements are here to stay. However, these physical and mental health issues should be addressed to maintain the holistic well-being of employees.
These steps should be taken into consideration, not only by employees but their companies, as well. For instance, one company gives cash incentives weekly to employees who can complete a certain number of steps monitored through an app.
As employees help the company stay afloat amidst the pandemic, employers should ensure their physical well-being. They are essential assets, and without them, there would be no operations and no income. It takes a good company to know how to survive amid a crisis, but it takes a great company to know how to take care of its employees in the midst of the same crisis.
Author Bio:
Dr. Jolina Began her journey as a health care professional when she took her medical degree in one of the most prestigious med schools in the Philippines. Apart from serving as a consultant for the For Your Sweetheart website, Dr. Jolina is a visiting faculty at the ISDFI and is currently practicing in Quezon City.
