- "Homework is here to stay, so we took the opportunity to study homework during the pandemic," says Rachael Berglund, a doctoral student at Mälardalen University. A social media survey conducted between June and August 2020 yielded 138 responses. It contained five questions about changes in homework. People answered the questions in their own words.

A majority felt that productivity had improved. They write about improved flexibility and greater ability to control their own work. However, there are also relatively many who believe that productivity has deteriorated. The everyday conversation with colleagues is missing and the physical work environment is worse. Only a few felt that productivity had not been affected by working from home.

Mixed views on pros and cons

- "The spontaneous conversation with colleagues is exciting to think about," says Rachael. Some miss the break you get, the important day-to-day exchange of information, and the new ideas and energy that colleagues bring. For others, fewer interruptions and the ability to choose when and with whom to talk is a source of increased productivity.

Work meetings are another area where opinions differ. Some think that more time spent in meetings reduces productivity, but for many, meetings are fewer and more effective. In general, the organizational and social work environment is greatly affected by working from home.

A fundamental challenge with home working is to provide a well-functioning workplace with a stable internet connection and good ergonomics. Some also need support in managing their workload and planning their working day, so that they get the necessary breaks and do not work too much outside working hours. Future home workers also need better access to information from their workplace. Today, people find it difficult to get answers and feel updated on what is happening.

Greater focus without interruption

Improved productivity through greater control of work and fewer interruptions is something that could also be used in regular workplaces, says Rachael. Many of the home workers have written that their productivity has increased now that they can control their working hours, for example, and work in a focused way without interruptions.

The study links to two of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: good health and well-being, and decent work and economic growth. To learn more about this research, please visit the project website.

- "The results are so interesting that we want to continue with a more thorough study," says Rachael. Several companies from different sectors want us to send a survey to their employees.

Adesuwa Omorede, Project Manager, Assistant Professor
Innovation, Design and Technology, Mälardalen University.
Interests: The role of passion, emotion and motivation within individuals; their relationships; decision-making processes; and performance.
adesuwa.omorede@mdh.se

Tomas Backström, Professor
Innovation, design and technology, Mälardalen University.
Interests: Groups of people working together - we are each other's work environment.
Leadership, creativity, climate and social structures.
Work experience: Researched and educated in working life since 1980.
tomas.backstrom@mdh.se

Rachael Berglund, PhD Student
Innovation, design and technology, Mälardalen University.
Interests: Working life, health, stress, organizational and social work environment
Work experience: 15 years as a work environment engineer in industry and construction.
rachael.tripney.berglund@mdh.se