The homeoffice module in the risk assessment of mental stress with the COPSOQ
Genesis and results
Objective:
The shifting of work to the private, domestic sphere was an important health protection measure in the COVID-19 pandemic. It was intended to reduce transmission of the virus by reducing contact. In the case of risk assessment of mental stress based on the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), it has since become possible to use questions about the homeoffice („COVID-19 module“ until 2022, now „homeoffice module“). This offers an opportunity to link „working from home“ with all scales covered by the COPSOQ.
Methods:
It is now possible to analyse the data of about 34,000 respondents who have expressed opinions on working from home during or after the pandemic. Firstly, all the items and scales (value range: 0–100) are subjected to descriptive analysis and subgroup comparison. This is followed by analysing the correlations with other COPSOQ scales.
Results:
Homeoffice equipment, communication with colleagues and supervisors, and overall satisfaction tend to be rated positively. The evaluations of employees with a homeoffice deviate in some areas from those of the other respondents (influence at work: + 8.0 points; separation of work and private life: + 12.7 points). Differences are somewhat smaller in the field of social relationships. The comparison of the current with the desired extent of the homeoffice points towards moderate expansion.
Conclusions:
No blanket statement can be made as to the extent to which working from home is advantageous or disadvantageous. Apart from the tendency towards higher demands with increased influence, much seems to depend on the specific setting in a company. It is no longer possible to imagine life without the homeoffice and the questions in an add-on module to the COPSOQ can consider this along with other forms of work in the risk assessment and link it with other stresses and strains.
