Centre for Work Health and Safety’s Flexible working and psychosocial safety summary report

This research by the Centre for Work Health and Safety and several universities examined the psychosocial risks associated with undertaking flexible and remote work, seeking to provide employers and workers with evidence-based information to aid in the prevention of psychological harm for flexible workers. 

A survey of 1,039 NSW workers conducted as part of the research found:

• Generally, people working from home did not have higher cognitive loads or psychological demands than office-based workers. The exceptions were reports of higher social isolation and ill-treatment.
• People working from home reported a more positive working environment than office-based workers. In particular, people working at home reported having more support.
• People working from home and office-based workers reported similar levels of psychological health. Wellbeing, psychological distress, job stress and burnout were the same for both groups.