Effectiveness of workplace interventions with digital elements to reduce sedentary behaviours in office employees: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Digital interventions are potential tools for reducing and limiting occupational sedentary behaviour (SB) in sedentary desk-based jobs. Given the harmful effects of sitting too much and sitting for too long while working, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of workplace interventions, that incorporated digital elements, to reduce the time spent in SB in office workers. METHODS: Randomised control trials that evaluated the implementation of workplace interventions that incorporated digital elements for breaking and limiting SB among desk-based jobs were identified by literature searches in six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO and PEDro) published up to 2023. Studies were included if total and/or occupational SB were assessed. Only studies that reported pre- and postintervention mean differences and standard deviations or standard errors for both intervention arms were used for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5; Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Risk of bias was assessed using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields QUALSYST tool. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review. The most employed digital elements were information delivery and mediated organisational support and social influences. Multicomponent, information, and counselling interventions measuring total and/or occupational/nonoccupational SB time by self-report or via device-based measures were reported. Multicomponent interventions were the most represented. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, which presented a reduction of 29.9 (95% CI: -45.2, -14.5) min/8 h workday in SB (overall effect: Z = 3.81). CONCLUSIONS: Multicomponent interventions, using a wide range of digital features, have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing time spent in SB at the workplace among desk-based employees. However, due to hybrid work (i.e., work in the office and home) being a customary mode of work for many employees, it is important for future studies to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions in the evolving work landscape. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The review protocol was registered in the Prospero database (CRD42022377366).

Work Disability and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Teleworkers: A Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: This project aimed to examine the existing evidence on work disability or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among teleworkers. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted in eight bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, ABI/Inform Global, EBM Reviews, Web of Science, Dissertations & Theses Global) from inception to June 2022. RESULTS: Out of 9192 records identified, a total of 79 selected articles representing 77 studies were retained. Most studies were published after 2019, aligning with the COVID-19 pandemic's telework surge. Among the included papers, 51 addressed MSDs among teleworkers, 17 were on work disability, and 11 addressed both concepts. The studies were predominantly cross-sectional. Some trends are emerging, although study results are contradictory. Several papers reported increased musculoskeletal discomfort among teleworkers. Factors associated with MSDs among teleworkers include poor workstation setup, extended workdays, sedentary lifestyle, excessive devices use, and psychological factors. Regarding work disability, studies found that telework is associated with reduced absenteeism but increased presenteeism, with employees more likely to work while unwell from home than when on-site. Mixed results were found regarding teleworkers' work ability and functioning. CONCLUSION: This paper provides an overview of the literature on work disability and MSDs among teleworkers. It identifies literature gaps, underlining the need for ergonomic improvements, long-term impact studies, a better conceptualization of presenteeism in the context of telework, and tailored interventions to enhance the telework experience.

Teleworking Effects on Mental Health-A Systematic Review and a Research Agenda.

Teleworking has become an increasingly adopted modality in organizations. However, changes in working conditions have led to several challenges regarding its impacts on professionals' health. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature about the impact of teleworking on workers' mental health. The PRISMA protocol and VOSviewer were used to identify the main trends from the set of 64 articles. The co-occurrence analyzes showed combined relationships between this new type of work and its effects on workers' health, which resulted in four different clusters and a robust knowledge structure. Furthermore, the findings indicate that working from home has a dualistic nature. This study offers a prominent and promising framework regarding the teleworking impact on workers' health research agenda.

Work productivity loss and work-related factors during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic could have led to a technological revolution however it has caused work productivity loss, especially among people working from home. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the frequency and related factors of work productivity loss, focusing on work-related factors, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of Japanese workers. Questionnaires were distributed using snowball sampling through e-mail and social networking sites. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 708 non-medical workers reported subjective work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic, compared with before. A multiple regression analysis showed that living with preschool-age children, having poor mental health, not using video conferencing solutions, and increased e-mail communication were related to work productivity loss. A subgroup analysis of those working from home showed similar variables associated with work productivity loss. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of workers in Japan experienced work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic. Moreover, factors such as time-consuming tasks or background distractions might lead to operational inefficacy.

Morbimortality profile by COVID-19 in telework and on-site work in an oil and gas company in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: As a reflection of the health emergency caused by COVID-19, many countries adopted guidelines, which included activity restrictions. As a result, some companies maintained their activities with on-site work and telework. OBJECTIVE: Analyzing the morbidity and mortality profile due to COVID-19 of workers in telework and on-site work in an oil and gas company. METHODS: Cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study that included 8,394 workers diagnosed with COVID-19 at an oil and gas company in Brazil, from June 2020 to June 2021. The company's Surveillance Program database was used as an information source. RESULTS: The total prevalence of cases was 21.7% . For teleworking and face-to-face workers, they were 20.7% and 23.3%, respectively. There was a predominance of women (19.7%), white ethnicity/colour (64.7%), higher level position (52.6%), age group over 40 years (36.7%), married (53, 8%), working at the company for a period that ranges from 7 to 10 years (17%), administrative activity (68.5%), and a higher number of symptomatic workers and deaths in telework compared to on-site work. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that testing is important to refrain the virus spread in the company's work environments, as it allowed asymptomatic workers to be diagnosed with COVID-19. The study suggested that on-site work was not a transmission facilitator in the occupational environment, which points out the importance of preventive measures in the workplace and the adoption of remote work for the largest possible number of workers to improve the safety of employees, workers who remained in the on-site work modality.

The Joint Role of Focused and Molar Climates and Eudaemonic Well-being as Mediators of the Relationship between Flexible Telework and Scientific Productivity in Spanish ERC-Granted Teams.

Flexible work arrangements, such as teleworking, have gained massive and unprecedented usage for creating work environments that foster well-being and productivity. Yet empirical evidence is still scant and not much is known about the role of organizational climate(s) in this process. Accordingly, the present study was set out to investigate the mediating mechanisms linking flexible teleworking to scientific productivity by considering climate for well-being dimensions, the climates for excellence and for innovation, and eudaemonic well-being as mediating constructs. Data were collected from 358 members of 48 Spanish European Research Council (ERC) granted teams and analyses were conducted both at the individual and team level, after checking for the relevant aggregation indexes. Relevant and significant relations were found within the hypothesized statistical model both at the individual and team level of analysis. The climate dimension of team support and the climate for innovation, together with eudaimonic well-being, resulted to be linked by significant relationships suggesting a potential mediating path. Also, empirical evidence supported considering gender as a control variable for the relationship between flexible teleworking and the climate dimension of work-life balance. In conclusion, climate variables and eudaimonic well-being represent relevant variables for the explanation of the relationship between flexible teleworking and scientific productivity. Practical and theoretical implications, and limitations are further discussed in the article.

The Joint Role of Focused and Molar Climates and Eudaemonic Well-being as Mediators of the Relationship between Flexible Telework and Scientific Productivity in Spanish ERC-Granted Teams

Flexible work arrangements, such as teleworking, have gained massive and unprecedented usage for creating work environments that foster well-being and productivity. Yet empirical evidence is still scant and not much is known about the role of organizational climate(s) in this process. Accordingly, the present study was set out to investigate the mediating mechanisms linking flexible teleworking to scientific productivity by considering climate for well-being dimensions, the climates for excellence and for innovation, and eudaemonic well-being as mediating constructs. Data were collected from 358 members of 48 Spanish European Research Council (ERC) granted teams and analyses were conducted both at the individual and team level, after checking for the relevant aggregation indexes. Relevant and significant relations were found within the hypothesized statistical model both at the individual and team level of analysis. The climate dimension of team support and the climate for innovation, together with eudaimonic well-being, resulted to be linked by significant relationships suggesting a potential mediating path. Also, empirical evidence supported considering gender as a control variable for the relationship between flexible teleworking and the climate dimension of work-life balance. In conclusion, climate variables and eudaimonic well-being represent relevant variables for the explanation of the relationship between flexible teleworking and scientific productivity. Practical and theoretical implications, and limitations are further discussed in the article. (AU)

Association between the telecommuting environment and somatic symptoms among teleworkers in Japan.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the association between telecommuting environments and somatic symptoms among teleworkers in Japan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted from September 27 to October 29, 2021, used data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS study) in Japan. Of the 31 000 male and female respondents, who were Japanese residents aged 15-79 years and were randomly selected from the panel members of an internet survey company, 4569 home-based teleworkers were finally included in the analysis; 26 431 respondents who met the exclusion criteria were excluded. The analysis included 4 cut-offs (≥4, 8, 12, and 16 points) for somatic symptoms on the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 as objective variables, and the telecommuting environment, such as having adequate desk light and a quiet environment, as explanatory variables. Adjusted Poisson regression analysis was conducted using demographic variables as covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence ratio (PR) for somatic symptoms increased significantly as the number of poor telecommuting conditions increased, regardless of the cut-off value for somatic symptoms or the frequency of teleworking. In the telecommuting environment, the PR for somatic symptoms was significantly higher for the following 6 items: poor teleworking space to concentrate, inadequate foot space, poor communication environment, poor space for relaxation, noise, and inappropriate temperature and humidity. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that for home-based teleworkers, the more inadequate the telecommuting environment, especially in the aforementioned 6 areas, the higher the likelihood of somatic symptoms. Improving these environments may be useful in preventing various somatic symptoms.

Preschool teachers' predicaments of teaching online and strategies employed during the COVID-19 pandemic: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to remote preschool education, highlighting the crucial role of preschool teachers in navigating pedagogical transformations, adapting to technology, and addressing the challenges of distance learning. OBJECTIVE: This study delved into the intricate challenges confronted by educators specializing in early childhood education within the realm of remote instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it scrutinized a spectrum of tactics and interventions implemented to overcome the challenges, presenting nuanced insights to enhance the effectiveness of online pedagogy. METHODS: Conducting a systematic literature review, this study comprehensively analysed academic sources to synthesize challenges faced by preschool teachers and their adaptive strategies during the transition to remote instruction induced by the COVID-19. The investigation focused on online teaching strategies, COVID-19 implications, and the broader landscape of remote learning. RESULTS: The review illuminated intricate challenges, encompassing technological constraints, pedagogical adjustments, and psychological adaptations. These challenges compelled the deployment of a diverse range of strategies, underscoring educators' resilience and resourcefulness in maintaining vibrant online teaching and learning ecosystems. CONCLUSION: This study offers a valuable compendium of insights, providing a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape of remote pedagogy. By fostering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and strategies, educators, administrators, and policymakers can collaboratively devise informed interventions. This collaborative effort optimizes online teaching practices, fostering enriched learning outcomes within the digital epoch.

The impact of coworking spaces on workers' performance, mental and physical health: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Utilisation of coworking spaces (CWS) was rising sharply prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to new work arrangements which involve a hybrid, work and home model, is likely to involve the use of alternative workspaces. Understanding the impacts of CWS on employees is timely to examine the benefits of utilisation and how these might be incorporated into new ways of working. This scoping review aims to explore the relationship between CWS, mental and physical health, and workers' performance, and provide insights into future considerations for design. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to map the current literature on CWS, focusing on identification of relevant modifiable factors to improve worker's mental and physical health, and performance. METHOD: Three databases, Embase, PsycInfo, and Proquest, were systematically reviewed, to identify studies from 2005 onwards. Data was extracted and analysed using diagrammatic mapping. Only studies published in English were included. RESULTS: Eleven relevant papers were included which covered the three outcomes of interest: worker's performance (5), mental health (4) and physical health (2). Environmental factors influencing the three outcomes were categorised into physical environment (12 factors) and the psychosocial environment (6 factors). Overall, CWS environmental factors had a positive influence on workers (23 positive relationships and 11 negative relationships). CONCLUSION: Coworking spaces offer potential benefits for tele-workers, including opportunities for collaboration/networking and productivity gains. However, attention to the CWS physical design is important to optimise the experience for workers and mitigate risk of adverse mental and physical health effects.

Clima ético egoísta y el teletrabajo en el sector eléctrico colombiano. El papel moderador del liderazgo ético

El sector eléctrico colombiano ha impulsado políticas organizacionales fundamentadas en la inclusión y el bienestar de la sociedad en general, que pretenden trasladarse al teletrabajo a través de un estilo de liderazgo ético. Sin embargo, el egoísmo -que se caracteriza por maximizar el interés propio como base de razonamiento moral-, es un factor subyacente que puede deteriorar cualquier iniciativa que busque un equilibrio institucional justo e íntegro, mediante un clima ético donde las decisiones descuiden las necesidades colectivas. Por consiguiente, el objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la relación entre un clima laboral egoísta y el teletrabajo, a través del rol moderador de liderazgo ético. El estudio aplicó un diseño cuantitativo, transversal y correlacional explicativo. La muestra fue de 448 empleados evaluados por una encuesta en línea. Se encontró que el clima ético egoísta (X) y el liderazgo ético (W) se asocian significativamente con el teletrabajo (Y). Sin embargo, cuando el liderazgo ético regula la relación entre las variables independiente y dependiente (6X - Y/W), se hace visible que a mayor percepción de una dirección ética más débil se torna el efecto del clima egoísta sobre el teletrabajo hasta desaparecer. En conclusión, el sector eléctrico colombiano, por su enfoque en la responsabilidad social y erradicación de conductas deshonestas mediante un liderazgo ético, no es compatible con un clima laboral egoísta. De hecho, el impulsar una cultura de trabajo, a través del interés propio, neutraliza todo el esfuerzo ético propuesto por el sector eléctrico colombiano en los últimos siete años, puesto que su finalidad ha sido propender por iniciativas sociales e inclusivas.

The Colombian electricity sector promotes organizational policies based on the inclusion and well-being of society in general, which also intend to transfer to teleworking through an ethical leadership style. However, the selfishness that is characterized by maximizing self-interest as the basis of moral reasoning is an underlying factor that can deteriorate any initiative that seeks a fair and comprehensive institutional balance through an ethical climate where decisions neglect collective needs. Therefore, the objective of this research is to determine the relationship between a selfish climate and teleworking through the moderating role of ethical leadership. The study applies a quantitative, cross-sectional, explanatory correlational design. The sample is 448 employees who are evaluated with an online survey. The selfish ethical climate (X) and ethical leadership (W) are significantly associated with telecommuting (Y). However, when ethical leadership regulates the relationship between the independent and dependent variables (6X - Y/W) it becomes visible that the greater the perception of a weaker ethical leadership, the effect of the selfish climate on telework becomes until it disappears. The Colombian electricity sector, due to its focus on social responsibility and on eradicating dishonest conduct through ethical leadership, is not compatible with a selfish climate. In fact, promoting only individual interests in virtual work environments would nullify all the ethical effort proposed by the sector in question in the last seven years. Since its purpose has been to promote social and inclusive initiatives.

Bienestar y salud ocupacional de profesores universitarios en la formación investigativa mediante el teletrabajo / Well-being and occupational health of university professors in research training through teleworking i: en

Introducción: La COVID-19 provocó cambios laborales e influyó en el comportamiento de los docentes universitarios. Objetivo: Describir el bienestar y la salud ocupacional de profesores universitarios en la formación investigativa mediante el teletrabajo. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis sistemático mediante la metodología PRISMA que incluyó todo el año 2022 y los primeros meses del 2023. Con los artículos incluidos se aplicó la herramienta de búsqueda bibliográfica en línea Litmaps. Asimismo, se empleó un cuestionario y posteriormente la escala de Likert. El instrumento se validó con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y se consideró la prueba t de una muestra para probar como hipótesis descriptiva si el bienestar y la salud ocupacional desde la formación investigativa en docentes universitarios mediante el teletrabajo eran satisfactorios. Resultados: En el estudio, 41,2 % de los artículos de revisión e investigación seleccionados con la metodología PRISMA correspondieron al año 2022; sin embargo, el 50,0 % de los artículos semillas fueron del 2023, donde su análisis mapa indicó que no hubo citas de correspondencias. En cuanto al resultado de la valoración con la escala de Likert y luego con la prueba de hipótesis, se obtuvo insatisfacción en los profesores respecto a la formación investigativa mediante el teletrabajo. Conclusiones: Existió insatisfacción respecto al bienestar y la salud ocupacional para la formación investigativa desde el teletrabajo porque los docentes universitarios consideraban que las condiciones laborales no fueron favorables.

Introduction: COVID-19 caused job changes and influenced the behavior of university professors. Objective: To describe well-being and occupational health in research training of university professors through teleworking. Methods: A systematic analysis was carried out using the PRISMA methodology that included the entire year 2022 and the first months of 2023. The online bibliographic search tool Litmaps was applied to the included articles. Likewise, a questionnaire was used and subsequently the Likert scale. The instrument was validated with Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the one-sample T-test was considered as a descriptive hypothesis whether well-being and occupational health from research training in university professors through teleworking were satisfactory. Results: In the study, 41.2% of the review and research articles selected with the PRISMA methodology corresponded to the year 2022; however, 50.0% of the seed articles were from 2023, where their map analysis indicated that there were no citations of correspondences. Regarding the result of the assessment with the Likert scale and then with the hypothesis test, dissatisfaction was obtained among professors concerning research training through teleworking. Conclusions: There was dissatisfaction regarding well-being and occupational health for research training through teleworking because university professors considered that working conditions were not favorable.

Work stressors, work-family conflict, parents' depressive symptoms and perceived parental concern for their children's mental health during COVID-19 in Canada: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Work-related stressors and work-family conflict are important social determinants of mental health. While the impact of these stressors on parents' mental health is well documented, we know comparatively less about their impact on children's mental health. Furthermore, though the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered these stressors, particularly with the increase in teleworking, major knowledge gaps persist regarding the association between parents' stressors and perceived parental concern for their children's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the stress contagion perspective, this study tests (1) the mediating role of parents' depressive symptoms with parental concern for their children's mental health, and (2) whether these associations vary depending on whether parents had the opportunity to engage in telework. METHODS: A path analysis was performed from a cross-sectional analytic sample of 780 employed parents in the province of Quebec (Canada). The same model was then stratified by teleworking opportunity. The model's indirect associations were obtained by the bootstrap bias-corrected method with 1,000 replications. RESULTS: The results show that the stressors of work-to-family conflict, increased difficulties in work-family balance since the COVID-19 pandemic, irregular schedules, low esteem derived from work, and job insecurity were all indirectly associated with an increase in parental concern for their children's mental health through increased parents' depressive symptoms. However, some associations differ depending on teleworking status. The indirect associations involving increased difficulties in work-family balance since the COVID-19 pandemic as well as irregular work schedules were observed only in the teleworking group. CONCLUSIONS: This study fills a gap in research on the association between the work-family interface and parental concern for their children's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of concerted and cohesive action between child health policies and those regarding work and work-family balance to prevent work-related psychosocial risks, particularly considering the post pandemic expanded and persistent reliance on teleworking.

Work Attendance with Acute Respiratory Illness Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic, United States, 2018-2022.

Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus can be transmitted by asymptomatic, presymptomatic, or symptomatic infected persons. We assessed effects on work attendance while ill before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by analyzing data collected prospectively from persons with acute respiratory illnesses enrolled in a multistate study during 2018-2022. Persons with previous hybrid work experience were significantly less likely to work onsite on the day before through the first 3 days of illness than those without that experience, an effect more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic than during prepandemic influenza seasons. Persons with influenza or COVID-19 were significantly less likely to work onsite than persons with other acute respiratory illnesses. Among persons with positive COVID-19 test results available by the second or third day of illness, few worked onsite. Hybrid and remote work policies might reduce workplace exposures and help reduce spread of respiratory viruses.

Gender differences in the effect of teleworking on job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

This paper analyzes gender differences regarding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the likelihood of job loss, differentiating between employment transitions towards unemployment, inactivity and furlough schemes, and the role that teleworking may have had as a protector of job loss in Spain. Based on more than 1,800 types of jobs defined by occupation and economic activity combinations, we propose an Evidence-Based Teleworking Index that considers the intensity of telework use in a given type of job, but also reflects the actual ability of firms to adapt to telework. Using multinomial probit models with sample selection, we found that more women than men suffered job loss during the pandemic. The findings also confirm that the ability to telework has acted as a potential cushion against employment losses, but the effect has been mainly driven by males. The shielding effects of telework have been especially relevant in reducing transitions from employment to furlough schemes, while the power of telework to protect against inactivity and unemployment seems to be much more modest, even during the pandemic.

Duração do trabalho remoto e diagnóstico positivo de COVID-19: análises dos dados da PNAD COVID19 / Duration of remote work and a positive diagnosis of COVID-19: an analysis of PNAD COVID19 data

Resumo Nosso objetivo foi analisar a associação entre a duração do trabalho remoto e o diagnóstico positivo da COVID-19 entre pessoas ocupadas no Brasil. Foram utilizados dados da PNAD COVID19 (2020). As variáveis sobre a situação do trabalho descritas foram: afastamento do trabalho em função do distanciamento físico, segmento de trabalho (setor de trabalho e formalidade: privado formal/informal, militar, servidor público estatutário, setor público CLT/informal, empregador, conta-própria/trabalhador não remunerado) e duração do trabalho remoto (sem trabalho remoto, 1-2 meses, 3-4 meses, 5-7 meses). Associação entre duração do trabalho remoto (exposição) e diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19 (desfecho) foi estimada por regressão de Cox, com ajuste para variáveis sociodemográficas e segmento de trabalho. O diagnóstico positivo da COVID-19 aumentou de 2,1% para 4,8% entre julho e novembro, e a frequência de trabalho remoto reduziu de 11,6% para 9,5% entre maio e novembro. O risco de diagnóstico positivo da COVID-19 foi menor para pessoas que trabalharam remotamente por 3-4 meses (RR=0,79; IC95%=0,67;0,92) e 5 meses (RR=0,57; IC95%=0,48;0,67) comparadas àquelas que não trabalharam remotamente. Houve discreta redução do percentual de trabalhadores em trabalho remoto e sua maior extensão reduziu o risco de diagnóstico positivo para COVID-19.

Abstract The scope of this work was to assess the association between the duration of remote work and a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 among individuals employed in Brazil. Data from the PNAD COVID19 (2020) survey were consulted. The variables in the work situation described included: absence from work due to physical distancing, work segment (work sector and formality: formal or informal private, military, statutory civil servant, CLT public sector, informal public sector, employer, self-employed/unpaid worker) and duration of remote work (no remote work for 1-2 months, 3-4 months, 5-7 months, respectively). The association between duration of remote work (exposure) and positive diagnosis for COVID-19 (outcome) was estimated by Cox regression, with adjustment for sociodemographic variables and work segment. The positive diagnosis of COVID-19 increased from 2.1% to 4.8% between July and November, and the frequency of remote work decreased from 11.6% to 9.5% between May and November. The risk of a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 was lower for people working remotely for 3-4 months, (HR=0.79; CI95%=0.67;0.92) and 5-7 months (HR=0.57; CI95%=0.48;0.67) compared to those who did not work remotely. There was a slight decrease in the percentage of remote work employees, and a longer duration reduced the risk of a positive diagnosis for COVID-19.

The Effect of Transitioning to Remote Working in Patients Affected by Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of transitioning to remote working during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in a population of adults affected by chronic low back pain (cLBP). METHODS: An online questionnaire was sent by email to teleworkers affected by cLBP. Demographic data, remote working features and tasks, and LBP burden were analyzed. The psychological burden of remote working was evaluated with the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. LBP severity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. LBP-related disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index. The effect of LBP on working capacity was examined with the Occupational Role Questionnaire. Independent risk factors related to LBP worsening were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: During remote working, LBP severity was significantly higher compared to previous in-person working (p < 0.0001), as well as average weekly work hours (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of LBP worsening was associated with higher depression scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.91; p = 0.048), increased stress levels (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.04-8.65; p = 0.042), and being divorced (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.27-14.47; p = 0.019). Conversely, living with others (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.81; p = 0.021), and reporting unchanged stress levels (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.65; p = 0.006) were associated with a lower risk of LBP worsening. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight key factors to consider for improving remote workers' physical and mental wellbeing and decrease their LBP burden.

Impact of flexible work arrangements on job resignation after cancer diagnosis among Japanese young adult cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Many workers had flexible work arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the association between flextime and remote working and job resignation among Japanese young adult cancer survivors after diagnosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an online survey with 401 Japanese young adult cancer survivors diagnosed with adult-onset cancer and aged 20-39 years at the time of the survey in January 2022. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to analyze the impact of flextime and remote working on job resignation. RESULTS: In the sample, 264 participants (65.8%) were female, and 185 (46.1%) had been diagnosed with cancer between 1 and 5 years ago. After adjusting for potential confounders, the multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that young adult cancer survivors using remote working only (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.96, p = 0.04) and both flextime and remote working (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21-0.64, p < 0.01) experienced a lower risk of job resignation after cancer diagnosis compared to those who did not use flextime and remote working. CONCLUSIONS: Young adult cancer survivors who used remote working only or remote working combined with flextime could reduce their risk of job resignation after a cancer diagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study showed that having the option of remote working can be important for young adult cancer survivors' continuing employment. Furthermore, social welfare systems need to promote a workplace culture and climate that allows remote working.

Psychometric properties of The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire: systematic review and meta-analysis / Propriedades psicométricas do The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the necessity to assess musculoskeletal complaints caused by computer use, The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) was created, which aims to assess musculoskeletal complaints of the upper limbs, shoulder complex and cervical spine in computer users. However, there is currently no comprehensive summary in the scientific literature on the psychometric properties of the MUEQ. The objective of this study was to conduct a synthesis of all available scientific evidence that has analyzed the psychometric properties of the MUEQ. CONTENTS: This study followed the PRISMA recommendations. The bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: MEDLINE (via VHL), Embase, LILACS (via VHL), Pubmed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science CENTRAL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus. Studies that addressed the psychometric properties of the MUEQ were included, as long as they were original articles of research carried out with human beings and indexed in the databases used. The studies were selected in two phases, with two independent reviewers. A total of 6 articles were included in the analysis. The evidence based on internal structure showed acceptable results. The reliability indexes ranged from α=0.52 to α=0.84, and ICC/composite reliability > 0.70 in the analyzed studies, classified as "good" and "excellent," respectively. CONCLUSION: In general, this research found a lack of detail on the process of content validity and evidence related to external variables and the description of the sample. These problems extended to the evidence based on the internal structure and reliability of the MUEQ, which did not reach levels considered acceptable to ensure its adequacy and accuracy.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Com a necessidade de avaliar as queixas musculoesqueléticas ocasionadas pelo uso de computadores, foi criado o The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ), cujo objetivo foi avaliar as queixas musculoesqueléticas relativas aos membros superiores, ao complexo do ombro e à cervical em usuários de computadores. No entanto, atualmente não existe uma sumarização abrangente, na literatura científica, sobre as propriedades psicométricas do MUEQ. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma síntese de evidências científicas disponíveis que analisaram as propriedades psicométricas do MUEQ. CONTEÚDO: Este estudo seguiu as recomendações do PRISMA. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline (via BVS), Embase, LILACS (via BVS), Pubmed, PsycINFO, Scielo, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science CENTRAL, Scopus e SPORTDiscus. Foram incluídos estudos que abordaram as propriedades psicométricas do MUEQ, desde que fossem artigos originais de pesquisas desenvolvidas com seres humanos e indexados nas bases utilizadas. A seleção dos estudos ocorreu em duas fases, com dois revisores independentes. Foram incluídos 6 artigos/publicações na análise. A evidência baseada na estrutura interna apresentou resultados aceitáveis. Os índices de fidedignidade variaram de α=0,52 a α=0,84 e ICC/confiabilidade composta foram maiores que 0,70 nos estudos selecionados, classificados como "bom" e "excelente", respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: De um modo geral, esta pesquisa constatou a falta de detalhamento sobre o processo de validade de conteúdo e de evidências relacionados a variáveis externas e à descrição da amostra. Esses problemas se estenderam à evidência baseada na estrutura interna e à confiabilidade do MUEQ, que não alcançaram níveis considerados aceitáveis para garantir sua adequação e precisão.

Work fatigue during COVID-19 lockdown teleworking: the role of psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions.

Background: During national lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, previously office-based workers who transitioned to home-based teleworking faced additional demands (e.g., childcare, inadequate homeworking spaces) likely resulting in poor work privacy fit. Previous office research suggests poor work privacy fit is associated with lower wellbeing and higher work fatigue. Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between childcare duties during pandemic teleworking and work fatigue. In addition to psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), which are acknowledged predictors of work fatigue, this poses a significant threat to occupational health during pandemic teleworking. However, the relative effects of aspects of the psychosocial environment (job demands and resources), the home office environment (including privacy fit), and the social environment (childcare) on work fatigue as well as their interactions are under-explored. Objective: This study examined the relationships between the psychosocial, environmental, and social working conditions of teleworking during the first COVID-19 lockdown and work fatigue. Specifically, the study examined teleworkers' physical work environment (e.g., if and how home office space is shared, crowding, and noise perceptions) as predictors of privacy fit and the relationship between privacy fit, childcare, psychosocial working conditions (job demand, job control, and job change management), and work fatigue. Work privacy fit was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between childcare and work fatigue. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with teleworkers (n = 300) during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April and May 2020; most participants were in Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Results: Path analysis was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. Privacy fit was lower for those reporting greater levels of noise in home-working spaces and those feeling crowded at home. Work fatigue was lower amongst those with greater privacy fit and higher amongst those with high levels of job demand. An indirect relationship was observed between childcare and work fatigue with privacy fit mediating this relationship. Conclusion: The influence of privacy fit has so far been largely neglected in research on teleworking, especially during the pandemic. However, its contribution to workers' wellbeing should be acknowledged in occupational health strategies.