Who works ‘from home’ and does ‘remote work’ affect our health?

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven millions into ‘remote work’ (i.e. working from home). Some have raised concerns that remote work has increased levels of social isolation, while others point to potential benefits such as more time with family; the net impact on physical and mental health is unclear. Furthermore, the enforced nature of working from home during a global pandemic is not the same as working from home by choice, in so far as flexible working arrangements are offered by some employers.

This Honours project will utilise data already collected from individuals and families living all over Australia, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will examine what groups of people were more likely to transition into and out of ‘remote work’, with a particular focus on gender, age, educational and occupational differences. It will also determine the level of social and health benefit associated with working from home.

Potential candidates can express their interest via email: thomasab@uow.edu.au