LIFESTYLE

Is working from the office better than WFH?

17 August, 2022 . 0

For many workers, a silver lining of the pandemic has been the increased flexibility to work from home. But while convenient, are you better off in the office?

All-day comfort wear, a five-second hallway commute and a post-lunch napping (or Netflix); when you first consider the benefits of working from home, there’s a lot to celebrate.

What then, do we make of research which shows those who work from home not only report suffering from increased feelings of loneliness, but find they’re unable to switch off come the end of the “work day”?

Or a study by La Trobe University which found workers are not only working longer hours but experiencing musculoskeletal pain and weight gain?

As tempting as it is to cling to a supposed perfect formula for hybrid working, or insisting one form of work is healthier than the other, which is best for you depends on your distinct personality, according to Dr Andrew Arena from the Black Dog Institute Workplace Mental Health Team.

“Social connection is fundamental for wellbeing but there’s no magic ratio for how much time spent in the company of others is best – this is always going to differ from person to person,” Dr Arena says.

“The most important thing is to understand what your own needs are.”

Taking time out for a little healthy self-reflection aside, you can also consider the pros and cons of working from home and working from the office and decide how you can make each one a little healthier.

Post-pandemic work life: How you can work from anywhere, anytime

Healthy ways to work from home

There’s no shortage of benefits when you work from home: increased flexibility leading to a better work-life balance, increased productivity, location independence (meaning you can work from anywhere), decreased commute-related stress and a healthy boost to your savings account as you spend less on transport and eating out.

To avoid some of the pitfalls mentioned above, however, you’ll need to think about how you schedule your days, says LiveLighter dietitian, Emma Glassenbury.

“When we’re working from home, we can find ourselves spending a lot more time sitting down in front of the computer, so block out time in your day to get outside and go for a walk, do some gardening or cleaning or try an online yoga class,” Emma recommends.

Setting reminders to stand and stretch regularly can also boost energy levels and refocus when you work from home.

Avoiding weight gain can be as simple as prepping your meals and snacks the night before and having a ready supply of healthier alternatives in the fridge and pantry.

“Be sure to also keep a water bottle by your side that you can fill up throughout the day to reduce your snacking urges and ensure you’re drinking enough water,” Emma says.

When it comes to mental health, Dr Arena recommends scheduling regular, virtual or phone meetings with your manager and co-workers – even if it’s just for a casual check-in, and staying connected with friends outside of work.

“One other key mental health issue faced when working from home is the stress brought on by blurred work-home boundaries.

“Try to keep a designated work area (ideally that’s not your bedroom) and create a routine for switching off from work.”

Dr Arena recommends putting the computer away, changing clothes and switching off work-related notifications on your phone.

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How to create a positive office work life

Before we start throwing stones (or popcorn, from the couch) at office culture, it’s best to admit there are some benefits to dusting off your work garb and hightailing it out the door every day.

In an office environment, networking opportunities are far greater, there is a sense of community and a feeling of working towards a shared goal.

That said, it comes with a healthy serve of downsides too.

One review found workers in an open-plan setting to be less productive and experienced more stress.

And a Norwegian study said office workers were more susceptible to illness, while a Future Forum survey revealed those in the office experienced greater feelings of stress and anxiety.

“While working from the office means you have more opportunities for social connection and support, there might also be more opportunities for workplace conflict or bullying to arise,” Dr Arena says.

“Unsafe working environments are also a risk factor for mental health issues.”

Reaching out to colleagues and managers when you’re struggling or have concerns is encouraged, but so too is finding ways to increase resilience to workplace stress.

“This can include physical activity, practicing mindfulness and making sure you’re finding time in your day for things that are personally meaningful or enjoyable,” Dr Arena explains.

Just as important is planning around a lifestyle which leaves you with less time to fit in daily exercise or plan meals says Emma.

“Making small changes to your day can help you move more without even thinking about it; getting off public transport a stop or two earlier, or scheduling waking meetings, for example,” she says.

“Bringing in your lunch will not only help you save money, you’ll eat healthier in the office too.

Healthy lunch recipes can be found at LiveLighter.

For additional tips on staying healthy at work, check out LiveLighter’s Healthy Tips for Workers. Mental health support can be found at Black Dog Institute and at Beyond Blue support service line (1300 22 46 36).