Working from home and well-being during the pandemic and beyond: a longitudinal analysis in five countries

Abstract Background Given the rise of remote work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies have investigated how working from home (WFH) is related to employee well-being. So far, findings have been mixed and based predominantly on cross-sectional analyses. Methods We used multi-level regr...

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Main Authors: Anna E. Kornadt, Catherine E. Bowen, Anthony Lepinteur, Conchita D’Ambrosio, Luca Ratti, Claus Vögele
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22349-4
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Summary:Abstract Background Given the rise of remote work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies have investigated how working from home (WFH) is related to employee well-being. So far, findings have been mixed and based predominantly on cross-sectional analyses. Methods We used multi-level regression models to describe the longitudinal relationship between WFH and well-being over 11 assessments from April 2020 to November 2023, based on a unique, population-based sample of N = 3403 employed participants from five European countries. Results Even after controlling for relevant covariates, WFH was negatively related to well-being in the initial stages of the pandemic, but unrelated to WFH thereafter. Conclusion Our analysis offers a differentiated picture on within- and between-person dynamics of WFH and well-being over the course of the pandemic and beyond and can inform the discussion how individuals, organizations, and societies can prepare for a future in which WFH plays a more prominent role.
ISSN:1471-2458