Mental health and social relationships shape the work-from-home experience: lessons from COVID-19 pandemic

Background: The great “work-from-home experiment” prompted by the pandemic has left an indelible mark both at the individual level—shaping expectations around life, work, and career—and at the organizational level. Evidence suggests that organizational success and performance are highly dependent on employee health and well-being, which contribute to higher productivity and engagement. Aim: This study aims to (1) examine the association between changes in depression severity and the work experience evaluation given by the staff of a large Italian research institute at the end of the forced telework period, and (2) explore the literature to link our findings to relevant recommendations for a more sustainable model of “new normal” work practices. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of validated health-related instruments was conducted following an 18-month period of enforced home working. In two subgroups defined by pre-pandemic depression severity (as assessed by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire), a multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted, adjusted for the influence of various individual, organizational, and psychophysical factors. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential differences in predictors of negatively perceived work experiences. Results: Pre-pandemic depression severity was not associated with perceived work experience (p = 0.60). In the subgroup of 244 participants with a pre-pandemic 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire total score of >4 (mild or greater severity), the main predictors of a negative work experience were a failure to reduce depression severity to the minimal level (aOR: 5.3, 95% CI: 2.23–14.29) and negative changes in interpersonal relationships within the family or among friends (aOR: 6.55, 95% CI: 3.05–14.78). In the subgroup of 489 participants with a pre-pandemic total score of ≤4 (minimal severity), the main predictors of a negative work experience were increased depression severity above the minimal level (aOR: 5.35, 95% CI: 2.74–10.64) and negative changes in interpersonal relationships within the family or among friends (aOR: 9.22, 95% CI: 5.16–17.00). The effect of worsened depression severity was modified by the availability of a dedicated workspace at home. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for workplace interventions targeting not only clinical but also subclinical depression, with special attention to remote workers. Such efforts can benefit both individual well-being and the broader work environment. The importance of interpersonal dynamics within family and social networks was also confirmed, reinforcing the need for a work-life balance culture embraced by both employers and employees.