Longitudinal effects of daily practices on presenteeism and mental health of teleworkers in Japan
Yuichiro Otsuka, Osamu Itani, Yoshitaka KaneitaObjective:
To investigate longitudinal associations between daily teleworking practices, mental health, and work performance among Japanese teleworkers.
Methods:
We conducted a two‑year longitudinal study of 710 teleworkers employed by five companies in metropolitan Tokyo. Baseline teleworking practices included maintaining a comfortable workspace, setting daily goals, regulating work hours, maintaining sleep routines, and chatting with colleagues. Depressive symptoms and work performance were assessed at baseline and follow‑up.
Results:
Having a comfortable workspace (β = −1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.32 to −0.24) was associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Maintaining sleep routines (β = 3.98; 95% CI, 0.27–7.70) and setting daily goals (β = 4.10; 95% CI, 0.77–7.43) were associated with better work performance.
Conclusions:
Occupational health interventions for teleworkers should focus on workspace quality and goal setting behaviors.