The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have called on governments to take measures to protect the health of workers while telecommuting, and thus avoid the bad physical and psychological consequences of teleworking.
A new technical report on healthy and safe teleworking, published by these two United Nations agencies, outlines the health benefits and risks of teleworking, as well as the changes needed to accommodate the transformation towards different ways of working remotely. distance caused by the COVID19 pandemic.
The WHO points out that there can be a better balance between work and personal life
Among the benefits, the WHO and ILO report points out that there may be a better balance between work and personal life, opportunities for flexible working hours and physical activity, reduced traffic and time spent commuting, and decreased from air pollution, all of which can improve physical and mental health and social well-being. Telecommuting can also lead to increased productivity and reduced operating costs for many companies.
However, the report warns that without proper planning, organization and health and safety support, the impact of teleworking on the physical and mental health and social well-being of workers can be significant.
Telecommuting can lead to isolation, burnout, depression, domestic violence, eye strain, musculoskeletal injuries, increased use of tobacco and alcohol, prolonged sitting and screen time, and unhealthy weight gain and safety during telecommuting .
Thus, collaboration between workers and employers is essential for safe teleworking, according to the WHO. “In the almost two years that have passed since the start of the pandemic, it has become very clear that teleworking can just as easily bring health benefits as it can have a disastrous impact”, as explained by Dr. María Neira, director of the Department of WHO Environment, Climate Change and Health.
Occupational health services must be trained
Among the measures that employers must implement, the following stand out: guarantee that workers receive the appropriate equipment to complete the tasks of the job; provide relevant information, guidelines and training to reduce the mental health and psychosocial impact of teleworking; train managers in effective risk management, remote leadership and workplace health promotion; and establish the “right to disconnection” and sufficient rest days.
Thus, according to this report, occupational health services must be trained to provide ergonomic, mental health and psychosocial support to teleworkers through the use of digital telehealth technologies.
“Telecommuting and, in particular, hybrid working, are here to stay, and will probably increase after the pandemic, as both companies and individuals have experienced its viability and benefits”, said Vera Package-Perdigão, Director of the ILO Governance and Tripartism Department.
Finally, the WHO and the ILO insist that companies with teleworkers must develop special programs for teleworking that combine measures for work and performance management with information and communication technologies and adequate equipment, and occupational health services. for general health and ergonomic and psychosocial support.
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