Health related factors of employees working from home as part of occupational health management

Abstract Background Since 2015, workplace health promotion measures (WHPM) are implemented in the German Federal Armed Forces. In order to increase its attractiveness as an employer, employees are offered the possibility to work from home. The aim is to descriptively evaluate associations between working from home (WFH) and health status, quality of life, main diseases reported and health behavior. Methods From 06-09/2022 a cross sectional study was conducted. All military and civilian employees of the German Federal Armed Forces (∼220.000) were invited to participate in the study. The survey was conducted online and paper-based. Results A total of 23.568 (11%) of all employees participated in the survey (mean age 42 ± 11.34 years (y); 29% women (w); military: 13.697 (58%); WFH: mean age 46,27 ± 9,91 years; w: 13% (899/6.736); men (m): 8,7% (1.433/16.530); no WFH: mean age 41,5 ± 11,41 years; w: 86,7% (5837/6736), m: 91,3% (15.097/16.530). A proportion of 10% (2.342/23.315) stated that they work entirely or partly from home. 47.1% (535/1.135) of employees working from home participated in WHPM measures. A proportion of 79.3% (no WFH: 73.6%) rated their quality of life and 66.2% (no WFH: 70.2%) their general health as good/very good, although 38.7% (no WFH: 33.4%) reported muscular and skeletal complaints and 15.1% high blood pressure (no WFH: 13.1%). 79.5% of employees working from home (no WFH: 77.5%) reported physical activity and a healthy diet 81.2% (no WFH: 76.9%). 19.1% (no WFH: 12.3%) indicated a regular intake of dietary supplements. Conclusions The results show associations between WFH and the health of employees. There are indications that employees WFH are more health-conscious and thus pay more attention to their health. An improved target group orientation of WHPM, especially for employees WFH, may have positive effects on their health status and may contribute to fewer days of incapacity to work. Key messages • There are indications that employees working from home are more health-conscious and pay more attention to their health. • A further improvement of WHPM, especially for employees working from home, may have positive effects on their health status and may contribute to fewer days of incapacity to work.