Work

Shaping Workspaces, Shaping Lives: Health Implications of Working From Home for Employees With Tertiary Education in Switzerland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effect of transitioning to working from home (WFH) on health for employees with a tertiary degree. Methods: = 3,381). We estimated individual-fixed-effects models to examine the effect of transitioning to WFH on 13 binary health outcomes related to general health, mental health, physical health, health behaviour and social trust. Results: Even post-COVID-19 WFH measures, the proportion of tertiary-educated employees working from home remained high relative to pre-pandemic levels. Individual fixed-effects estimates suggest no evidence of an effect of transitioning to WFH on any of the health outcomes. Conclusion: The upward trend in WFH underscores the importance of health-impact research in this context. The absence of adverse health effects is significant for employers and policymakers aiming to provide flexible work arrangements. Our study provides a benchmark for future research by encompassing a comprehensive range of health outcomes and utilizing a longitudinal panel structure that captures the transition from mandatory to optional WFH arrangements.

Source: International Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2026.1608002

Authors: Szilvia Altwicker-Hámori, Sarah Heiniger, Marc Höglinger

Institution: ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Work-Family Balance Challenges

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,775