The Inquiry, “Is working from home working?”, was launched in March 2025 and explored the challenges and opportunities of remote and hybrid working for workers and employers, the impact of remote and hybrid working on productivity, and any wider consequences of remote and hybrid working for the UK economy and society.
Dr Elizabeth Stamp, Senior Lecturer in Lifestyle Behaviours and Health and Professor Stacey Clemes, Professor of Active Living and Public Health, both of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences had published and cited twice in the .
Their submission outlined how homeworking negatively impacts physical activity levels - due to less commuting, more sitting, loss of routine - and increased prolonged sedentary time. These factors worsen musculoskeletal strain and heighten risks of isolation and mental health problems - all of which pose serious public health concerns.
They recommend employers - guided by government standards - should assess and mitigate health-behaviour risks by providing ergonomic workstations, encouraging movement and breaks, and supporting mental wellbeing. They also call for more research to inform sector-specific policies for hybrid/remote work.
In publishing its final report, the Committee concluded that home working could support the Government’s plans to get people back into work, by enabling people to work who might not otherwise be able to do so. It said that hybrid working can be the “best of both worlds” compared to fully remote or in-person work, but only if done well.