The association between workplace telework guidance, self-management behaviors, and health outcomes among teleworkers: a cross-sectional study in collaboration with labor union

This study examined the associations between workplace telework guidance, self-management behaviors, and health outcomes-specifically ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms and subjective health perception-among Japanese teleworkers in the post-COVID-19 era. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2023, targeting full-time employees in Japan who began teleworking after January 2020. Participants were recruited in collaboration with the Tokyo Federation of the Japan Trade Union Confederation (RENGO Tokyo), a major labor organization representing a wide range of industries. Health status was assessed based on the presence of ocular and musculoskeletal symptoms and subjective health perception, measured using an item from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Among 1,666 valid responses, 48.1% of participants reported receiving telework-related guidance from their workplaces. Those who received guidance were more likely to engage in self-management behaviors, such as taking adequate breaks and obtaining sufficient sleep, which were significantly associated with better health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of workplace guidance in promoting self-management practices and reducing health risks in telework environments, highlighting the necessity of implementing evidence-based occupational health strategies.