The relationship between the living environment and remote working: an analysis using the SHEL model

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• The rise in telecommuting necessitates understanding optimal remote work environments.
• Pandemic-driven shifts highlight the need for effective telework strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of living environment factors on teleworker well-being.
• To identify key elements for creating a favorable remote working setup.

Main Methods:

• Multiple regression analysis was used to examine relationships between environmental factors and teleworker outcomes.
• The study employed the SHEL model (Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware) for a comprehensive assessment.
• Factors included physical space, lifestyle, and household dynamics.

Main Results:

• Job autonomy and a dedicated workspace positively correlate with teleworker satisfaction and engagement.
• Environmental noise, household task interruptions, and non-ergonomic furniture are linked to increased stress.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing the telecommuting environment requires addressing both personal workspace and minimizing disruptions.
• Strategies should focus on enhancing autonomy and mitigating environmental stressors for improved remote work experiences.