Working from Home During A Pandemic: Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 on Employee Health and Productivity.

Guler, Mehmet Akif; Guler, Kutay; Güleç, Meryem Güneşer; Ozdoglar, Elif

OBJECTIVE To determine ergonomic problems when working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to musculoskeletal pain, sleep conditions, physical activity, resting, equipment, and productivity. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, office workers who switched to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic participated in an online survey (n = 194). The data were interpreted using descriptive and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS A significant increase in back pain was revealed (p < 0.001). Significant weight gain was observed (p < 0.001) connected to a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of junk food. Despite the negative health impact, participants self-reported an increase in productivity. CONCLUSION The self-reported productivity was higher during the working from home, but a declining trend in employee health can be observed including low back pain and weight gain.