Gender and remote work: associations between mental health and hours of remote work and housework

Cien Saude Colet. 2025 Jan;30(1):e04892023. doi: 10.1590/1413-81232025301.04892023. Epub 2023 Nov 2.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the association between hours of remote work (RWHs) and housework (HWHs), independently, as well as the combined total of work hours (WHs), with gender and mental health of remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study with data from the ELSA-Brasil (N = 2,318). On average, women reported more time spent on HWHs and WHs than men, while no difference was found in RWHs. Depression, anxiety and stress were more prevalent among women. Women with longer working hours (RWHs, HWHs and WHs) had higher odds of displaying anxiety or stress symptoms than men with shorter working hours. For symptoms of depression, the highest odds ratios were found only among those women with medium or long HWHs and long WHs. A gender perspective into studies of remote work effects has contributed to the recognition of health inequalities between men and women.

PMID:39879445 | DOI:10.1590/1413-81232025301.04892023