A recent four-year investigation led by the University of South Australia sheds fresh light on how working from home affects people’s health, happiness, and job performance - and the results are just what you want to hear.
The research started before the pandemic and followed workers through lockdowns, giving the scientists a clearer picture of how remote work really works.
One of the study’s most striking findings relates to rest and stress levels. Employees who opted to work from home reported significantly better sleep: on average, an extra half-hour each night.
Mental well-being also improved over time. While there was a short-term spike in anxiety or heavier alcohol use during lockdowns, those effects eased. Once forced isolation was not enforced, many felt less tired overall and more mentally settled.
Changes also showed up in what people ate. With more access to home kitchens, many of those involved in the study opted for healthier food: more fruits, veggies, and dairy. While indulgences such as snacking and less rigorous routines were more common during lockdowns, overall the trend tilted toward better nutrition.
A big concern among suspicious managers has been whether remote work drags down output, that we’re all secretly watching TV instead of filling in the spreadsheets. But the research counters that worry: when workers have the option to work remotely, performance stays the same, or even improves.