Over a third (35%) of workers in Britain say they feel stressed or anxious while working from home during lockdown.
A similar number (32%) feel lonely or isolated, while slightly more (38%) feel “tired” or “lack energy”.
The figures come from a poll carried out from Fellowes Brands, a workplace solutions provider.
Its research suggests that one in four (27%) of home workers suffer strained eyes (27%), stiff neck (27%), a sore or aching back (26%) and headaches (25%).
Kizzy Augustin, health & safety partner at Russell Cooke Solicitors, said that the research is a reminder that employers have the same health and safety responsibilities for home workers “as for any other workers”.
Augustin said: “The coronavirus pandemic has meant more people are now working from home – a trend we are likely to see continue. This means an increase in flexible or hybrid working between office and home, so employers, need to take responsibility, be proactive and work collaboratively, to continually review and adapt working practices for their employees.
“Current regulations are somewhat outdated and do not necessarily reflect modern working practices. If there is a permanent shift to new ways of hybrid working, legislation and associated guidance should be updated to ensure it remains relevant and protects the health, safety and welfare of employees.”
The research also suggests that a quarter (25%) of home workers feel “overwhelmed”, while almost one in five (19%) feel “undervalued”.
The research also suggests that less than half (49%) have a “proper” home workstation with 10% admitting to working from their sofa, 5% from their bed and 3% on the floor.
Jeremy Cooper, UK marketing manager, Workplace Health Division at Fellowes Brands UK says: “It is essential that employers identify both the physical and emotional needs of their staff. We need to go beyond the office and embrace a work environment that is adaptable and supportive for all ways of working.”
The research shows that almost half (45%) of workers have never completed a home workstation risk assessment; a similar number (47%) work longer hours when working from home than in the office; and 65 of workers had to pay for their own home office equipment, spending £1,300 on average.