Remote work and behavior-related health in pandemic and post-pandemic period (Re-work-health)

Research problem and questions: During the Covid-19 pandemic, remote working was introduced as a measure to reduce spread of infection and the pandemic also impacted commuting behaviors. Even in the post-pandemic period, remote work continues at least partly.

Previous studies have linked remote work with unhealthy behaviors, but most studies are limited by the use of cross-sectional designs, small study populations, short observation periods, and limited control variables.

In particular, the underlying roles of work, individual, and family-related factors have been little researched.This project examines the relationships between remote work and behavior-related health during pandemic and post-pandemic time.

Specifically, we ask: How did remote workers’ division of time at home during the pandemic impact behavior-related health? How did changed commuting behavior affect behavior-related health in post-pandemic times?

Are work, individual, or family-related factors underlying mechanisms these associations?Data and method: The participants will be employed respondents of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) from 2018-25 and SLOSH-corona surveys from 2021-22.

Surveys include questions on physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol use, smoking, body mass index, sleep, commuting time, commuting distance and mode, and several work-related factors like job satisfaction.

We will use random and fixed effects methods, and either structural equation mediation models or counterfactual-based mediation analyses.Societal relevance and utilisation: In many workplaces remote work is the new normal and thus its impact on employees’ behavior-related health needs investigation.

This project will identify factors that can hinder healthy behaviors of remote workers which may impact their productivity, and mental and physical health in the longer term. Healthy lifestyles are essential for maintaining workability in an aging society.

Alongside scientific publications, the results will be disseminated to public and employers to facilitate tailored and evidence-based workplace practices and policies.Plan for project realization: Dr Raza (83% worktime), PI, will apply for ethical approval, run statistical analyses, draft and submit articles and disseminate the findings (incl. conferences, media releases and video blogs).

Drs Paraskevi (20%) and Halonen (17%) will contribute to analysis planning, article writing, and dissemination activities.