A Review of Recent Scientific Findings on the Health Effects of Working from Home and Implications for the Development of Regulation

Abstract

This article reviews and organizes recent trends in teleworking, particularly working from home (WFH), and the scientific findings on its impact on workers’ health and wellbeing. It also introduces the current status of the system of WFH in Japan and raises points for consideration in establishing regulations for safe and healthy WFH. Health effects of WFH may vary depending on the workers’ personal factors, work-related factors, and intensity of WFH. To mitigate the disadvantages of WFH, it is necessary to consider factors shown to affect compatibility with WFH and take measures to reduce health risks. Detailed measures that accommodate employees’ individual circumstances and their own choices are also required for establishing regulations. Additionally, it is important to formulate regulations that respect the autonomy of workers and to build a relationship of trust and cooperation between workers and their employers when incorporating sustainable WFH.