The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a fundamental shift in how organisations operate, with remote and hybrid working rapidly becoming the new norm. According to a September 2024 report by Statista, approximately 13% of workers in Great Britain worked from home exclusively, with a further 23 percent working from home and travelling to work .
Posted
28.10.2024
Written by
This transformation has brought significant benefits in terms of flexibility and productivity, but it has also introduced new challenges, particularly in the areas of health and safety. As businesses try to adjust to these changes, it is crucial to understand the risk and the health and safety implications of remote and hybrid working, as well as how these models affect safety culture within organisations.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements, while offering flexibility, pose distinct challenges when it comes to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of employees. As we will see, the duties of employers under UK health and safety legislation still apply when members of the workforce are working from home or under a hybrid working model, but the risks associated with remote and hybrid working can be highly varied when compared to a traditional workplace.
Ergonomic Risks and Musculoskeletal Disorders
One of the most significant risks associated with remote working is the increased prevalence of ergonomic issues. Many employees lack the proper equipment and workspace set-up at home, leading to a rise in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The Commonwealth Fund’s Charity Versus Arthritis initiative conducted a survey of employees working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (Webber 2020). Researchers in that study found that 50% of respondents had low back pain and 36% had neck pain, while 46% of respondents reported that they had been taking painkillers more often than they would like (Webber 2020). In the same survey, 89% of those suffering with back, shoulder, or neck pain as a result of their new workspace had not told their employer about it.
Prolonged use of laptops on non-adjustable surfaces, such as kitchen tables or sofas, coupled with inadequate seating, can contribute to back pain, neck strain, and repetitive strain injuries. While organisations have traditionally managed these risks in the workplace through ergonomic assessments, implementing such measures for a dispersed workforce poses logistical challenges. Employers need to provide ergonomic guidance, conduct workstation assessments, and ensure that employees have access to proper equipment, such as adjustable chairs, desks, and external keyboards.
Mental Health and Isolation
Remote working can lead to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress, particularly when employees are disconnected from their colleagues and organisational support systems. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises mental health as a critical component of workplace safety, and there is growing concern that remote work could exacerbate mental health issues.