Perceived Work Ability during Enforced Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Finnish Higher Educational Staff

Abstract

Background: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were forced to suddenly shift to working from home (WFH). How this disruption of work affected employees’ work ability is not known. In this study, we investigated the developmental profiles of work ability among Finnish higher education employees in a one-year follow-up during the enforced WFH. Secondly, we investigated demographic, organizational, and ergonomic factors associated with the developmental profiles. Methods: A longitudinal web-survey was conducted with four measurement points (April 2020–February 2021). Employees of a Finnish university who answered the questionnaire at baseline and at least at two follow-up surveys (n = 678) were included (71% women, 45% teachers/research staff, 44% supporting staff, 11% hired students). Perceived work ability was measured on a scale of 1–5 in all timepoints. Latent class growth curve analysis was used to identify profiles of work ability. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the associations of demographic factors, perceived stress, musculoskeletal pain, functionality of home for work, and organizational support with the work ability profiles. Results: Six distinct work ability profiles were identified. For most (75%), work ability remained stable during the follow-up. A total of 17% had a favourable trend (very good-stable or increasing) of work ability, and 8% had non-favourable (poor-stable or decreasing). Poor ergonomics at home, low organizational support, high stress, and musculoskeletal pain were associated with non-favourable development of work ability. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in development of work ability during forced WFH was found. Several factors were identified through which work ability can be supported.

COVID-19 impacts in Northernmost Finland

“…Specifically, being female or younger was connected to feelings of anxiety [ 11 , 26 ]. Perceived stress was found to be related to work ability, but also to a lack of ergonomics and support from the working organisation [ 27 ]. Based on the results of our study, support and togetherness of colleagues were important for participants and helped while working from home.…”

Trade Union Members’ Experiences and Attitudes towards Working from Home during the Pandemic

“…42% of respondents in a Slovenian study reported that they had to learn new knowledge and competencies in the use of software [1]. Another study among Finnish higher education employees during compulsory WFH reported that "[p]oor ergonomics at home, low organisational support, high stress, and musculoskeletal pain were associated with non-favourable development of work ability" [42] (p. 1).…”

Sustainable Healthy Working Life for All Ages—Work Environment, Age Management and Employability

“…The results showed that lack of joy in the daily work, an increased workload, and lack of support from co-workers had an increased association with work-related mental health diagnoses. Kyrőnlahti et al [17] examined the impact of home working on work ability in a sample of university workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study measured at three points after baseline measurements.…”