Secure remote work

You can work anywhere, move around and gain flexibility - however, remote work has its dangers. It is important to know how to prevent them.

In 2025, approximately 28% of the global workforce is working remotely at least partially, which represents a clear increase compared to 2019, when it was about 15%. Although remote work is still not the prerogative of all employees and is a minority on a global scale, in recent years it has begun to systematically gain popularity. It was not only influenced by technological advances and easier access to digital tools, but also the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced a reorganization of the way professional duties are carried out. Many jobs that previously seemed dependent on being in the office turned out to be possible remotely. After the pandemic, some employees partially returned to their offices, however labour market and employee habits associated with the convenience of remote work, today this form of work has ceased to be something special. Rather, it has become a natural part of everyday work organization and part of the standard professional landscape. In addition, global research shows that up to 83% of employees prefer a hybrid or fully remote model instead of the traditional, full presence in the office, which clearly signals that remote work has become the new norm, and not just a temporary trend.

An accurate comment, which in a way captures the picture of today's world, was once made, back in 2004, that is, long before the era of remote work, the famous sociologist Zygmunt Bauman:

Everyone would like to work 500 meters from home... But from the point of view of GDP it is better if you work 50 kilometers from home - then time and money are consumed by commuting, more is spent on food in the city, services, childcare, etc. And in addition, you often take overtime or a second job, because there is still not enough money for all this.

- Zygmunt Bauman, in conversation with J. Żakowski Smart Essentials (excerpt quoted from public text), 2021. This sociological observation actually prompts reflection on the economic mechanisms that shape our working style. Although the return from the home office to offices in city centers has often been argued, also based on research on social health or team effectiveness, it is worth considering for a moment whether sometimes the interests of those who rent large office space were not guided by this - after all, the pandemic has almost completely deserted their wallets. Another issue, often overlooked in the media narrative, is micromanagement, which is easier to implement when the employee is in sight of the supervisor.

What has remote work changed?

Many professions that previously seemed dependent on physical presence in the office, after the pandemic, turned out to be possible to do at home, which changed the expectations of employees and the way work was organized. Research shows that remote work has a complex impact on employee well-being. For some, it means greater autonomy, better control over tasks and time flexibility, which improves engagement and job satisfaction. Saving commuting time and better matching work with private life promote a balance between these spheres. However, the popularity of remote work is also associated with another phenomenon — the outflow of the working class from city centers to their outskirts. Studies show that being able to work remotely increases the tendency to move to the suburbs or to smaller towns, where housing is cheaper. This exacerbates inequalities: centres are becoming more accessible to the wealthiest, while the middle and lower classes live further away, often in places with limited access to services, health care or cultural offerings. In Poland, preliminary research indicates that approximately 50% of people with the possibility of remote work from large cities are considering moving to the suburbs.

Thus, it can be said that remote work somewhat facilitates the “pushing” of the working class out of large urban centers, creating from places the dormitories of employees who have the means to rent, but limited access to full urban life.

Remote work, on the other hand, can blur the boundaries between work and private life, leading to burnout, stress and family conflicts. Full remote models also increase the risk of social isolation and feelings of loneliness, and home conditions - not having a suitable place to work or equipment - can further worsen well-being. Remote work requires not only a certain organization of time, but also space, which, after a long time, becomes the place of two key worlds; private and professional. The key conclusion is that the effects of remote work depend on many factors: the individual preferences of the employee, the support of the organization, the work culture and the technical infrastructure. Not every organization provides the right work equipment and not every employee has the right conditions at home to perform their duties remotely. The hybrid model, combining remote work with an office presence, seems to offer the best balance as it minimizes negative impacts and maximizes benefits for both the employee and the organization.

Dangers we should pay attention to

In order to work remotely and not lose health or safety, it is necessary to be aware of the potential risks. They include both physical aspects, as well as mental - related, among others, to overload, stress or burnout - as well as risk factors our privacy and the security of our company data.

One of the most common ways to infect a computer remains the opening of files from unknown or untrusted sources, whether downloaded from the Internet or file-sharing services, or sent via email, instant messaging or social media. Teleworkers should avoid using such materials so as not to expose company hardware and data to malware. Even the best technical security will not replace the safe habits of the user, although this advice does not sound like discovering today, in the age of haste and automatic clicks, it is extremely easy, completely accidentally and without thinking, to open a file that in reality we should not open.

Equally important is the organization of the workplace, about which, in his article Organization of remote work at the computer - a recommendation for an employee, Recalls CIOP-PIB. Separating a work area at home, even a small one, allows for better focus and reduces deconcentration. It's a good idea to use a monitor of the right size and adjust the screen settings to reduce eye strain and headache. People who need noise isolation can use noise-cancelling insoles or earmuffs, as well as headphones with active noise cancellation. Before starting work, it is worth making sure that all the necessary items are within easy reach, which minimizes interruptions and distractions. Working at a computer also requires taking care of physical health. Prolonged sitting puts a strain on the musculoskeletal, circulatory and respiratory systems, and can also cause mental overload. A good option is short breaks every hour, during which it is worth getting up, taking your thoughts away from your tasks, looking out the window or doing some relaxation exercises. Longer breaks, for example for a meal, should be spent in a different place than the workplace. Equally important is regular physical activity outside of working hours, a minimum of 30-45 minutes a day, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming or training at home. WHO indicates that 60-85% of the population has too low physical activity, therefore, daily 10,000 steps is a good prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, circulation and mental overload.

Working at the screen for a long time also carries risks Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) - eye fatigue, blurred vision, photosensitivity and burning eyes. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to take short visual pauses, moving your gaze to distant points in the room or outside the window, and consciously blink. Proper ergonomics of the workplace and adequate air humidification are also important Remote work also requires conscious time and information management. CIOP-PIB research indicates that independent planning of the working day and constant contact with digital communication (emails, videoconferences, social media) can lead to a feeling of “constantly being at work” (eng. work without end), triggering digital stress, or our techs. Consciously setting boundaries between work and private life and planning breaks is key to maintaining mental health and efficiency.

summary

The privilege of remote work, despite its attendant risks, still makes a lot easier for us. However, this does not mean that in this form of work we are free from them. Daily health prevention against digital threats, as well as taking care of physical condition, constitute one of the basic elements of safety. They are equally important privacy protection, data security, and awareness of digitalization fatigue, which is increasingly accompanied by work done at the screen.

Will remote work grow in popularity? Will it actually displace full-time work in offices at some point? And if so - how will this affect the formation of social relations and urban structures, especially in the context of the previously described changes regarding the place of residence? Undoubtedly, these are questions that are still waiting for in-depth analysis and sociological research.

In the meantime - stay safe!

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