The Psychological Impact of Remote Work Environments: A Study Combining Behavioral Science and Ergonomic Design

Abstract

The pandemic-driven move to work remotely has now altered how people handle their offices and mental health at the same time. We explore how behavioral science and ergonomics come together to examine the psychological effects of people working from home over a long period. By using ideas from different fields, the study considers how ergonomics, being isolated from others, blurred work-life balance and digital means of communication impact both psychological health and productivity. Studies have been done through surveys with remote staff, auditing home work areas and doing targeted interviews. There seems to be a strong link between suboptimal ergonomic conditions and both mental tension, stress out and physical injuries in the workplace. In addition, working from home without meeting people in person and mixing tasks from home and work made people feel detached from others and increasingly discontent at their jobs. Even with these issues, quite a few participants found increased independence and choice at work which means that remote work is not always bad but calls for careful design and support. Finally, the study suggests a plan for better remote work, supporting changes in behavior, workspace setting and work rules by the organization.