Remote working becomes the norm
The eWorkLife team – comprising researchers from UCL Interaction Centre, the University of Birmingham, Northumbria University, and the University of Melbourne – are a group of experts who study the use of digital technology in work, life, and wellbeing. Since the spring of 2020, they have been investigating the impact of the shift to remote working caused by the numerous nationwide COVID-19 lockdowns.
The sudden transition to remote working brought with it a whole new set of challenges for desk-based workers. Opportunities for physical activity were minimised, with the elimination of commutes, outings to buy lunch or even a walk to the photocopier. The lines between work and personal time have become blurred, and many people report working longer hours with fewer breaks.
Our contributions
A tool to encourage a better work-life balance
eWorkLife Radio is a web app designed to encourage regular break-taking throughout the day. It uses music to split the workday into periods of work and rest. To stave off the negative health outcomes associated with excessive periods of sitting, the tool encourages users to step away from desks during rest times. As workers who have experienced the challenges of remote working first-hand, we contributed to the product design as potential users. We proposed functionality we’d use day-to-day, such as note-taking capabilities and a Spotify integration so users can listen to their own music.
A platform for research
Our familiarity with the world of academic research allowed us to build eWorkLife Radio as a platform for collecting valuable research data.