41% of home workers suffer from physical complaints (pain in the shoulders, neck, back, arm) more often since they have started working from home due to the corona crisis. 44% do not have a sound workplace when it comes to the Dutch Law on Working Condition. 35% do not know if they have a good posture at work. Almost 1 in 10 goes to a physiotherapist more often since working from home.
This is shown by research done by the CNV among more than 2600 of its members working from home.
“We are shocked by the results of this research. It means that hundreds of thousands of home workers suffer from physical complaints. Unacceptable,” says Piet Fortuin, CNV President. A quarter of home workers would like more support and tips to stay healthy.
Fit-package for home workers
The CNV advocates that employers offer their home workers a so-called fit-package. With an online coach who guides them physically and mentally through the home working period. Plus a number of vouchers for a visit to the physiotherapist or sessions with a personal sports coach. Fortuin: “Investments that are easily earned back: employees stay healthier because of this support. If we do nothing, there is a risk of long-term loss.”
Higher productivity
Employers should easily be able to afford the extra investment. Half of the home workers say they are more productive and work more efficiently. 1 in 3 works more hours than before the corona crisis. A quarter is more creative. 51% spend less time on useless meetings. The not needed travel is also largely spent on work. “The extra productivity, and with it the extra profit for companies, can therefore easily be invested in the employee who contributes to this profit,” says Fortuin.
Mental strain
Against the increased productivity workers face a higher mental work strain: 36% feel isolated, almost a quarter feel overloaded. 1 in 3 experience more concentration problems. 28% are more often exhausted. 8% is experiencing burnout and the same percentage experiences more relationship issues with their partner.
Dark winter days
Fortuin: “We work more hours, but pay a high price mentally and physically. Many workers are on the verge of dropping out. Employees also have their own responsibility to stay healthy. Especially now that the dark winter days are coming. In comparison, 54% went out for a breath of fresh air more often in the Spring than they do now. 46% say they do not exercise enough to stay fit. This really has to change. We call on all home workers to go out for an hour during the day. To exercise and to relax. Simple but effective.”
Homework allowance
60% incur costs due to working from home that are not reimbursed by the employer. 29% state that the employer stopped the travel-allowance during the crisis. 25% does receive a homeworking allowance. “We are aiming for a cost-covering allowance. Of course we have to reduce this against the travel-allowance. In any case, employees must be compensated for the costs they incur. Especially considering the fact that they have become more productive,” said Fortuin.
Source: https://www.cnv.nl/actueel/nieuws/nieuwsdetail/cnv-onderzoek-thuiswerker-vaker-last-van-fysieke-klachten/ (original Dutch)
