Remote Work: How US State Practices Affect Rural Local Public Health

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Rural Health

Background:

• Remote work is increasingly prevalent in state health departments (SHDs).
• Understanding the impact of SHD remote work on rural local health departments (LHDs) is crucial for effective public health delivery.
• Rural LHDs face unique challenges that may be exacerbated by remote work policies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore rural local health department leaders' perspectives on how state health department remote work affects rural public health efforts.
• To analyze the prevalence of remote work and its impact on job satisfaction, retention, and turnover among SHD and LHD staff.

Main Methods:

• Sequential mixed-methods study involving qualitative data from 14 rural LHD leaders.
• Analysis of 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey data.
• Examination of remote work prevalence and differences in job satisfaction, retention, and turnover.

Main Results:

• Rural LHD leaders reported impacts on staff retention and SHD staff accessibility/familiarity with rural needs.
• Quantitative data showed higher remote work rates in SHDs compared to rural LHDs.
• No significant differences were found in job satisfaction, retention, or turnover between remote and in-person staff.

Conclusions:

• Remote work presents ongoing challenges and opportunities for public health organizations.
• Improving remote work policy implementation can strengthen support for rural LHDs.
• Further research is needed to optimize remote work strategies in public health.