Remote work linked to decreased physical activity

Studies in Finland and Norway indicate that working from home leads to decreased physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. A Finnish study involving 97 university employees found that on home office days, participants sat for 44 minutes longer and engaged in 37 minutes less light physical activity and 21 minutes less moderate or vigorous activity compared to days spent in the office.

Similarly, a Norwegian study of over 2,000 participants showed that as employees increased their home office days from two or three to four or five per week, their overall activity levels dropped by approximately 12 percent. While researchers initially hypothesized that remote work might allow more time for exercise, the data suggests otherwise.

Eirik Degerud, a researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Occupational Health, noted that the reduction in movement might indicate better concentration and peace for work when at home, suggesting that if the primary goal is focused computer work, home offices may be effective.