We work more at the home office, but we separate our professional and personal life better

NFON, a European provider of cloud-based business communications, together with Statista Q, a market research specialist, investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work on workers' lives in Europe.

The "Wellbeing Report: Working from Home 22" shows that 28 percent. respondents had more work to do after switching to the home office during the pandemic. Every fourth respondent admitted that the number of working hours has increased. At the same time, 36 percent. of respondents say that they gained a better work-life balance and more time for family and friends. Almost a third of the study participants started exercising more and eating healthier.

"The mere elimination of long journeys and generally more flexible day planning can mean that, with good organization, you can have more time to yourself," explains Christian Montag, professor of molecular psychology. At the same time, he warns that the situation in which the home becomes an office and a workplace may also pose a risk to the mental condition of employees.

The main factor causing stress was the lack of communication with co-workers (35.3%) and the lack of separation between private and professional life (30.3%). Almost every fifth respondent complained about constant availability to the employer. Slightly less, 17.2 percent. drew attention to the poor internet connection. Overall, 37 percent were struggling with stress. respondents.

Interestingly, from the beginning of the pandemic, the consumption of dietary supplements has increased significantly among employees performing tasks in the home office mode. The percentage of people using CBD preparations doubled. Doctors are concerned about the increase in melatonin consumption, which means that employees working in home offices have trouble falling asleep.