37 The physical and mental health effects of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has expedited the adoption of remote work practices by businesses worldwide. In order to understand the experiences of remote workers in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to investigate issues related to labor time management and the various physical, mental, and socio-psychological factors affecting remote workers in Taiwan. In this study, a questionnaire survey was employed to compare the experiences of remote workers in office-based and home-based settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan in May 2021. The research focused on examining differences in socio-psychological factors related to workstation ergonomics, work and rest periods, gender-related work-family conflicts, and fatigue. The study collected 502 valid questionnaires from 11 businesses. Remote work increased from 24.7% pre-pandemic to 48.7% (P<0.001), with ≥4-hour weekly online conferencing. Of those surveyed, 56.6% used laptops, and 21.7% reported experiencing constant eye fatigue. Home-based remote work showed that females experienced slight psychological distress. Individuals aged 40-49 and 50-59, caregivers, cohabitants, and married individuals reported higher work-family conflict scores. Caregivers and married individuals also reported significantly higher levels of personal fatigue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the global remote workers, including those in Taiwan, exhibited similar health challenges, such as increased eye fatigue, higher fatigue and work-family conflict among caregivers and married individuals, and greater psychological burden on females. Recommendations include improving remote work conditions, providing ergonomic equipment, eye health education, and developing policies for remote work well-being. This holistic approach addresses both physical and psychological needs, fostering a supportive and productive remote work environment amidst pandemic challenges.