Holistic Assessment of Ergonomic and Psychosocial Risks in Remote and Hybrid Working Models

Abstract

This study analyzes the psychosocial and ergonomic impacts of remote and hybrid work models, which have gained prevalence due to the rapid digitalization following the pandemic, within a multidimensional framework. The research specifically investigates the interrelations among cognitive workload, ergonomic risk level, job satisfaction, and burnout within the cohort of white-collar workers. The study's sample comprises 50 employees from an international Information Technology (IT) firm located in Istanbul. Twenty-five of the participants work from home all the time, and 25 work in a hybrid model. The data collection process used the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), the Rapid Office Stress Assessment (ROSA), the Job Satisfaction Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The results show that the average cognitive workload is high, at 60.5 out of 100. Researchers found that remote workers had higher mental demands, while hybrid workers had higher physical demands. The ROSA test found that 42% of the people who took it were in the high ergonomic risk group. Long periods of sitting, not enough lumbar support, and the wrong height for the monitor were the most common ergonomic issues. In general, people are moderately happy with their jobs (M = 3.42/5). It was found that hybrid workers were much happier with their jobs than remote workers. But the levels of burnout can be anywhere from moderate to high. It was found that people who work from home are more emotionally drained, while people who work in both settings feel more accomplished. Thirty-four percent of the people who took part were found to be at high risk of burnout. The findings indicate that cognitive workload and ergonomic hazards in digital workplaces significantly influence job satisfaction and burnout. The remote work model can make people more mentally and emotionally tired because they are alone and their work and personal lives are not clearly defined. On the other hand, the hybrid model can make people happier at work and feel more accomplished because they can interact with others and get help from their organization. The Ergonomics 4.0 approach to digital work design needs to include all three types of elements: cognitive, physical, and psychosocial. The results are also in line with the WHO (2021) and ILO (2020) guidelines, which stress how important it is to include psychosocial risk management in systems for occupational health and safety.

Keywords: Ergonomic Risk Assessment, Hybrid Work Models, Occupational Health And Well-being, Psychosocial Risks, Remote Work

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007935