Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on office worker productivity and work experience

Abstract

Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations embraced Work From Home (WFH). An important component of transitioning to WFH is the effect on workers, particularly related to their productivity and work experience.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to examine how worker-, workspace-, and work-related factors affected productivity and time spent at a workstation on a typical WFH day during the pandemic.

Methods: An online questionnaire was designed and administered to collect the necessary information. Data from 988 respondents were included in the analyses.

Results: Overall perception of productivity level among workers did not change relative to their in-office productivity before the pandemic. Female, older, and high-income workers were likely to report increased productivity. Productivity was positively influenced by better mental and physical health statuses, having a teenager, increased communication with coworkers and having a dedicated room for work. Number of hours spent at a workstation increased by approximately 1.5 hours during a typical WFH day. Longer hours were reported by individuals who had school age children, owned an office desk or an adjustable chair, and had adjusted their work hours.

Conclusion: The findings highlight key factors for employers and employees to consider for improving the WFH experience.

Keywords: Remote work; office work; socioeconomic impact; work hours; workspace; workstation.