An extensive analysis of 1,930 studies on smart working highlighted both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this way of working, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the review, working remotely can lead to improvements in the physical and mental health of employees.
Among the advantages reported, there is one more balanced dietone stress reduction and one minor blood pressure. In fact, by working from home, many employees have the opportunity to dedicate more time to preparing healthy mealsleading to increased intake of fruits, vegetables and fresh produce. This increased attention to diet contributed to a reduction in blood pressure and an overall feeling of well-being.
Remote work has also been shown to reduce stress. The possibility of working in a familiar environment and better organizing one’s time has allowed many to find a balance between professional and private life. This more flexible approach has had a positive impact on mental health, allowing workers to feel less pressured and more motivated.
More productivity and fewer absences from work
Another important benefit is the greater productivity encountered by many employees. Working from home made it possible to eliminate typical office distractions and to better organize their activities. Workers also reported that remote working arrangements are particularly effective for creative activitieswhere a quiet, uninterrupted environment can spark inspiration.
Finally the review showed that remote workers tend to be less prone to disease and absences from work. With less travel and the lower risk of exposure to pathogens in crowded environmentsemployees who work from home report lower rates of illness. This not only benefits the workers themselves, but also results in a increase in productivity for companies, as employees can dedicate more time to their tasks.
Professor Neil Greenberg, a psychiatrist at King’s College London, highlighted the importance of considering working from home as a valid and serious form of employment. Organizations need to ensure that remote workers can perform their tasks efficiently, similar to how they would in an office.
Greenberg also said he was against the reduction of smart working with several companies that are returning to request presence in the officecreating tensions between employers and employees. This choice could in fact be obsolete and counterproductive, leading companies to lose talent and be less reactive in the event of future emergencies.
