B5: A Biomarker Analysis of Stress Levels in Remote and In-Office Workers

Greater Columbus Convention Center 

Room: A 210 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

In an era defined by evolving workplaces, remote work has gained significant prominence. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people primarily working remotely tripled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, 5.7% of the U.S. workforce worked remotely 2019, while this figure jumped to 17.9% in 2021. With remote work comes challenges that can give rise to stress and other impacts to employee health. It is crucial for employers to identify the stressors remote employees may face (e.g., ergonomic strain and isolation), and make quantitative assessments of the stressor impacts. Existing research relies on surveys to gauge stress levels among remote or in-office workers. Biomarkers may offer a more objective assessment of stressor impacts on an individual's well-being. This presentation will consist of three parts. First, the unique sources of stress in remote work compared to in-office work and the ways these stressors can affect mental and physical health will be explored. Part 2 will consist of a review of biological indicators of stress and the potential insight they can provide in assessing the effects remote workers experience compared to their in-office counterparts. Lastly, an outline will be provided on how the application of Total Worker Health® approaches, in tandem with biomarker research, can create an environment within organizations that supports remote employees in managing stress.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the stressors associated with remote work and in-office work.
• Describe how stressors can affect worker well-being and productivity.
• Analyze stress without physical interaction with the employees.
• Recognize how biomarkers may serve as quantifiable biological stress indicators.
• Detail options for diagnostic biomarkers for chronic and acute stress.
• Review how prolonged exposures can lead to secretion of various biomarkers.
• Discuss the ethical considerations regarding employee biomarker data.
• Utilize biomarkers as an indicator of remote worker well-being.
• Apply Total Worker Health® programs to remote workers. 

Intermediate

Polling

Q&A

Corporation/Company

All Industries

Office Environment

Services

Total Worker Health®

Available as part of AIHA CONNECT OnDemand

Changing Workplaces, Workforce, and Work Arrangements

Hazard Recognition/Exposure Assessment