Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of Americans have started working from home, with around 27% continuing to do so part-time as of September 2022.
The bed-to-desk commute is beneficial for morning productivity and work-life balance, but it raises questions about the impact on health and happiness on a long-term basis.
DirectApply's approach demonstrates this, and it's considerably worse than an ineffective Zoom conference or a weak internet connection.
The remote working model, dubbed Susan by DirectApply, is a visual portrayal of what remote workers would look like in 25 years.
The simulated character suffers from eye problems, inflammation, and dark circles due to prolonged computer screen use, along with poor posture and weight gain due to insufficient physical activity.
Susan also experienced 'repetitive typing strain' and 'tech neck' due to excessive computer use.
Susan's skin is wrinkled, and pasty due to lack of sunlight, Vitamin D, and outdoor activities, and her hair is thinning due to insufficient outdoor activities, while stress from work isolation and insufficient social interaction is also present.
However, there are some ways we can do to avoid Susan's ending up.
Psychologist, Dr Rachel M Allan, told the job search site: "Sticking to a routine that suits your life, your productivity levels and your job demands is essential to maintaining emotional health when working remotely."
Kate Brierton, a psychologist, emphasized the significance of fostering and upholding strong relationships with colleagues, even if they aren't frequently in person.
She said: "Going without human contact for long periods of time can lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which raises blood pressure and has harmful effects on physical health."
Personal trainer Joe Mitten stressed the importance of regular outdoor exercise and fresh air for maintaining good health.
Working from home might have long-term negative consequences, but maintaining sociability and physical and mental health can result in a perfect work-life balance without the need for a commute.
