Research from the University of South Australia shows that working from home can significantly boost happiness, health, and productivity. A four-year study tracked office workers before and after COVID-19, finding that remote employees gained an average of 30 minutes of extra sleep per night and reported more time for personal pursuits. This leads to better mental health, as the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of sufficient sleep and reduced stress.
By ditching the daily commute, workers can reclaim their time, leading to healthier living habits such as cooking at home, staying active, and reducing chronic disease rates. Nutrition habits also improved, with participants eating more fruits, vegetables, and dairy. The study contradicts initial fears that remote work might hamper productivity, showing that flexible models maintain or increase output when supported by organizations.
The key takeaway is that working from home can be a powerful tool for work-life balance, inclusivity, and employee well-being. As businesses chart their post-pandemic strategies, embracing flexible policies could be the key to happier, healthier, and more productive teams.
Source: https://glassalmanac.com/theyve-studied-teleworking-for-four-years-and-reached-a-clear-conclusion-working-from-home-makes-us-happier