Fully remote and hybrid work arrangements are here to stay. The share of new job postings that advertise remote work has risen dramatically since 2020. Moreover, survey research shows that the majority of employees in remote-capable jobs prefer hybrid or fully remote work over fully onsite work. Despite a large body of research on the outcomes associated with remote work, relatively less attention has been directed toward understanding how remote work relates to employee physical and psychological health and well-being. What happens to employee health and well-being when the physical boundary between work and nonwork disappears? What strategies can employees use to effectively detach and recover from work when the home also becomes the workplace? How does remote work relate to health behaviors such as exercise and sleep? This keynote address will focus on the state of the science concerning the threats and the opportunities presented by remote work for employee health and well-being. Recommendations for practice will also be provided.
Learning Objectives
After completing this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the overall benefits and challenges associated with remote work.
2. Explain the connection between remote work and employee well-being.
3. List best practices for enhancing the well-being of remote workers.