Association Between the Physical Work Environment and Work Functioning Impairment While Working From Home Under the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japanese Workers.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between the physical work environment and work function while working from home (WFH). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from 5760 workers who worked from home at least 1 day a month were analyzed. The physical work environment while WFH was used as an exposure factor. The presence of work functioning impairment was measured using Work Functioning impairment Scale (WFun). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used with the prefecture of residence as a random effect. RESULTS: Work functioning impairment was significantly associated with a "No" response to recommended environments. The highest odds ratio (OR) of work functioning impairment was associated with a "No" response to "There is enough light to do my work" (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73 to 2.35, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Improving work environments may prevent negative health effects and improve productivity while WFH.