PARENTS who continue to work from home once their kids go back to school are facing physical and mental health scars that could last a lifetime, experts have warned.
PM Boris Johnson is urging all people to return to their workplace to boost Britain’s ailing economy.
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And as The Sun on Sunday continues its Save Our Cities campaign, the true cost for those working from home could be far greater than many people realise.
Finance experts think we will be out of pocket because our utility bills will soar, while psychologists believe there will be an increase in domestic violence, neglect and abuse.
And Jeannette Jackson, director of “wellness” centre The Manchester Stress Institute, told The Sun on Sunday: “Working from home could lead to lifelong misery.
“It’s absurd to imagine that being alone or in a small bubble is healthy.
“There are so many areas where working from home is detrimental.
“Dining chairs aren’t designed to be sat on all day and could result in a generation of people with bad posture, inflammation and years of back pain, not to mention the high cost of specialist health care and physiotherapy.
HEART DISEASE
“And during lockdown we have seen that people are eating more and more while at home.
“If people stay working from home this could well continue. Eating too much could precipitate Type 2 diabetes, which is a chronic condition which will impact you for life once the damage is done.
“For many people, the fridge and kitchen cupboards are just a few steps from their desks and it’s all too easy to snack and pick at high-sugar, high-fat foods, piling on the calories.”
Professor Tam Fry, of campaign group the National Obesity Forum, said: “Working from home means missing out on that walk to and from the station and structured breaks.
“Instead, you may have minimal exercise and constant access to snacks.
“Weight gain is associated with many diseases including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.”
We have already seen a staggering increase in depression, anxiety and loneliness
Psychologist Emma Kenny
Despite the Government’s plea for a return to workplaces, major corporations such as Twitter, Barclays and Google are now telling their thousands of staff they can work from home permanently, as remote working measures put in place during lockdown have proved so successful.
On average we save £99.45 a week by not going to work.
But mental health experts say staying home will inevitably cause long-term damage.
Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “What makes us human is physical contact and intimacy, even if that means office interactions like chatting at the water cooler.
“It’s obvious that the more isolated you are, the more your mental health issues grow.
“Online connection is not real connection, and while flexible working can be a brilliant option, we can’t underestimate the long-term impact of social isolation on mental wellness.
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“Since people have been working from home more this year, we have already seen a staggering increase in depression, anxiety and loneliness.
“Cases of domestic violence, neglect and abuse are through the roof and we can expect that to continue if people are incubated with their families.”
Domestic killings more than doubled during lockdown and there has been a staggering increase of 700 per cent in domestic abuse cases.
Visits to the charity Refuge’s website have surged by more than 1,000 per cent and this week the NSPCC reported a 53 per cent increase in reports of child abuse.
As for the toll on physical health, GP Dr Marios Anastasiades said: “Spending hours hunched over a laptop on the dining table in an uncomfortable chair that has not been ergonomically designed puts a strain on your spine and your whole musculoskeletal system.
“Even lighting is not designed for long working days in most homes, so it’s no surprise there has been an explosion in the number of people seeing chiropractors and physios or their doctor.
‘OVERWHELMING ISOLATION’
“The effect on mental health of working in isolation should not be underestimated. Chats by the watercooler are actually good for you.
“Staying permanently at home, working long hours and juggling family life can put people under a tremendous strain. Or for those who live alone, feelings of isolation can be overwhelming.”
However, he added: “If you can’t get back to work, don’t worry — take plenty of exercise, try to get the best chair you can, take plenty of breaks and if you feel low, please seek advice from your doctor.”
And Sun GP Dr Carol Cooper said: “Despite the drawbacks and challenges of working from home it’s proved a positive experience for a lot of people.
“It’s cut a long commute for many, saving money and time. And for those with mobility issues it’s been a bonus.
“But those working from home must take steps to protect their health. Eat only at meal times, don’t graze all day. Take frequent breaks and build exercise into your working day.
Make sure you meet others, and if you feel anxious or alone, talk to someone about your feelings
Sun GP Dr Carol Cooper
“Get the best seat you can afford — it is an investment in your health.
“Make sure you meet others, and if you feel anxious or alone, talk to someone about your feelings.”
Counsellor Charlotte Sharp, of Charlotte Sharp Counselling, said she and her colleagues have seen a steep increase in people seeking help for anxiety, burnout and depression across the UK.
She said: “Working from home constantly is not good for mental health. We are social beings.
“Losing social interactions means a greater risk of burnout.
“The loss of routine, such as many people not even getting dressed for work, means they can quickly fall into a downward spiral and depression.”
And London financial adviser Peter Lane, of the firm Fortis Financial, said: “The hidden costs of setting up a home office are a couple of grand at least.
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“You need to get the best broadband and proper office furniture, while utility bills, when your heating’s on all day, will at least double.
“We will all be using more water and electricity, and our food bills will go up too, since we are having all our meals and snacks at home now.
“Some may even find they need to move to a bigger home to accommodate a home office.”
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