Impact of Remote Working on Recreational Physical Activity (RPA) Behaviours – a Case Study of the Covid-19 Lockdown in Poland

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe and explain changes in people’s recreational behaviours caused by the shift to remote work (RW) or work from home (WFH) due to lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. A literature review revealed a cognitive, methodological and applicative gap in this area. This relationship has not been analysed so far, particularly among Poles. The authors developed an electronic questionnaire using a framework designed to study RPA behaviours. A survey based on the questionnaire was conducted from 20 May to 31 Oct. 2020 and included 533 respondents, with 371 people experiencing changes at work, 280 of whom shifted to RW/WFH. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods (descriptive statistics and content analysis techniques, affinity diagram, relationship diagram) was used to analyse the survey results. The results of the qualitative analysis allowed a description of changes in the respondents’ lifestyles induced by the transition to RW/WFH. The results of the quantitative data analysis showed unequivocally that taking up RW/WFH had a negative impact on RPA behaviours. The frequency and duration of workouts decreased. The novelty lies in demonstrating the relationship between remote working/work from home and RPA and the inventive methodological approach. The results are universal and can be used to design work-life balance programmes for remote employees.