UPOU study finds stress, anxiety among remote workers

MANILA, Philippines — A study conducted among PhilHealth employees working remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic found that most participants experienced moderate stress levels, while nearly half reported mild anxiety symptoms, underscoring the need for stronger mental health support and structured remote work policies.

The study was conducted by Dr. Myra D. Oruga, professor and program chair of the Master of International Health at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU); Jessica Mae D. Viray-Inciong, social insurance assistant at PhilHealth; and Dr. Laili Rahayuwati, professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran.

Researchers surveyed 173 employees from 11 selected PhilHealth offices in Metro Manila using an online questionnaire. Participants were drawn from a stratified sample of 257 employees working remotely. Most respondents were married women in their 30s and were employed in entry-level or casual positions.

To measure psychological well-being, the researchers used the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), two commonly used mental health screening tools.

Results showed that 96.32 percent of participants reported moderate stress, while only a small number experienced high stress levels.

In terms of anxiety, 49.69 percent reported mild symptoms, while 40.49 percent had little to no anxiety. Only a few respondents fell within the moderate to severe anxiety range.

The authors noted that “moderate perceived stress” is common among government employees due to “workload pressures and institutional expectations.”

The study also examined whether demographic factors such as age, marital status, gender and income were associated with stress and anxiety levels. Researchers found no significant relationships between these variables and the psychological outcomes reported by participants.

According to the study, workplace conditions and current circumstances may play a greater role in shaping employees’ mental health responses than personal background characteristics.

The researchers identified higher job demands, technological challenges and blurred work-life boundaries as among the factors contributing to stress and anxiety during remote work arrangements.

They also noted that employees accustomed to face-to-face interactions with colleagues and clients may experience increased feelings of isolation while working from home.

To address these concerns, the authors recommended clearer communication systems, improved access to technology and stronger virtual social connections within organizations.

“Findings emphasize the importance of mental health support and structured remote work policies to address workplace stress during periods of significant organizational change,” the study concluded.

The findings come as some countries reconsider remote work arrangements as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption amid a global energy crisis.