"Work From Home" - Bane or boon ? - Dr Nisarg Shah MD PSYCHIATRY

Since the advent of novel coronavirus the concept of work from home has gained precedence. It is being advocated now as an effective tool by governments worldwide to combat the pandemic. Majority of office work is now being delegated to employees to do it from home and many companies have provided computers to them to do so. In this fast pace internet connected world the transition from office to home has not been a difficult one.

Work from home may seem to be a win win for both employers and employee. Less expenses and less responsibility for the employers and the employee gets to avoid all the hassle of commuting and gets to work in the safe confines of his home in his way of choice.

However things are not that rosy as they seem. Since the advent of lock down lot of cases have actually increased where due to work from home people are experiencing more stress and psychological issues and also many health issues. So how does this happen when all they have to do is work on the computer on a sofa while drinking coffee and listening to favorite music?

Well the human mind is a complex piece of art. It works in its own ways. It also takes in cues from surrounding environment and that impacts it's efficiency. Work from home seems to be case of complex jugglery which everyone cannot balance well.

Some of the common issues faced are

1. Increased work hours as they work from home so travelling and commuting time is saved. That is added to the work hours at no extra pay.
2. Since already you are at home so you don't need leave to attend family matters and since you are at home so your health will be taken care by your family members. It works both ways. So less sick leaves also.
3. Long eratic work hours and the phenomenon of being always 'on'. Due to this work pressure is high and need to show results is also more.
4. Company bosses place unrealistic targets and deadlines as the pandemic has caused a lot of financial instability. This pressure percolates down to the employee working from home. Many are reporting with unwanted thoughts and anxiety.
5. Though always at home but being on work so cannot spend quality time with family and kids. And risk of work being affected due to kids interfering in between and the need to contribute to home affairs along with work increase the pressure on employees. It also increases guilt of not being able to balance.
6. No clear demarcation between office and family which is maintained better during normal office days. This causes lot of distress to both employee and family members. Lot of family quarrel happen now due to excessive working and less family time.
7. Unhealthy working hours lead to posture issues and in trying to be comfortable most end up working on bed or on sofa. This is not good for back and neck. Plus long screen time causes ophthalmic issues and headaches. Back problems due to cervical and lumbar nerve compression are increasing.
8. Lack of exercise and continuous eating while working online makes them obese and unhealthy. Late night eating also causes unwanted acidity.
9. Excessive online working causes unwanted isolation as family members tend to not disturb them. Social isolation is not good for mental health.
10. Insomnia is a very common complaint among work from home people especially those who have choice of working hours. As they tend to do other activities in day-time and start working at night. Long standing insomnia can result in Depression. Also increased coffee during working also causes insomnia.

So these were some of the issues that work from home employees are facing. Seeing the current spread of coronavirus work from home is not going to go away soon it seems.

Hence following measures should be adopted to prevent the harmful effects

1. Clear demarcation in work and home time. Work hours should be same like original office hours and not more. No night work should be allowed.
2. Unnecessary stress and deadline pressure should be avoided. Healthy working environment should be followed.
3. Calling and messaging for work related issues should also be during work hours only. E-mail use should be encouraged. The phenomenon of being available always on not be encouraged.
4. Family members should not disturb during working hours and if possible a separate work area or room should be used for work. During home time full attention should be to family members and no work related calls or messages should be attended.
5. Eating and drinking while working should be avoided. Frequent breaks should be promoted while working.
6. Genuine health complaints should be allowed for leave and employee should not pressured to manage as he is already at home.
7. Always work should be done on a desk and a chair. Never should it be done on sofa or bed. While working frequently neck and back stretching should be done and posture should be ergonomic.
8. Exercise and healthy diet should be followed. Everyday at least 20 minutes of light exercise should be done.
9. When in stress or pressure, it should be shared and if necessary counselling or therapy should be advocated. Keeping the mental health of employees sound will ultimately increase their productivity and help the employers.
10. Weekly leaves should be given and if possible and safe partial office work should be promoted which will help the employee to feel normal again.