A four-year University of South Australia study has concluded that home-based work delivers health and productivity gains if chosen by employees.
Longitudinal Research into Remote Work Trends
A four-year study followed Australian employees through compulsory lockdown telework and later voluntary home-based work. Its uniqueness lies in timing: by starting before the pandemic, it provides an unusually comprehensive picture of how telework reshapes daily life over the long term.
Employee Health Gains Outweigh Short-Term Setbacks
“On average, remote workers gained an extra 30 minutes of rest per night,” researchers reported. Australians saved about 4.5 hours a week once commuting was removed, leading to more energy, less fatigue, and greater peace of mind. While the study noted a short-term rise in alcohol use during the earliest lockdown months, the overall pattern was “overwhelmingly positive, with clear improvements in mental well-being.”
Remote Work and Smarter Use of Time
Extra hours from reduced commuting were directed toward projects, family care, and household responsibilities, with about one-third spent on leisure and physical activity. Spanish studies indicate teleworkers gain the equivalent of ten extra days annually.
The University of South Australia study concluded that remote work “doesn’t simply give back hours—it redistributes them in healthier ways.” Productivity concerns were tested and found lacking. Despite managerial worries, results showed performance “is maintained, and in many cases, improved.”
Remote Work Driving Healthier Eating Habits
Researchers observed changes in eating habits among remote workers. Initial snacking gave way to healthier choices. “The study highlighted an increase in fruit, vegetable, and dairy consumption, along with more home-cooked dishes.” The result was a gradual shift away from processed and fast food.
Balancing Organisational Culture with Flexibility
Researchers acknowledged that remote work complicated workplace bonds. They noted that “with the right support systems, collaboration can still thrive.” The broader lesson was flexibility: “This isn’t about choosing sides—remote versus office—but about building a future of work that embraces both.”
Employees consistently reported higher job satisfaction, improved health, and a greater sense of control when they had flexibility.
The findings present a chance to rethink management and culture for businesses. The University of South Australia study confirms a powerful message: remote work works best not when imposed, but when embraced as an option.