Homeworking Case study
The Healthy Low-carbon Transport Hub (HLTH) is one of seven transdisciplinary research hubs funded by The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to lead research into the potential to maximise the health benefits of low-carbon transport.
Background
The Hub will identify barriers, incentives and accelerants to implementing healthy low-carbon transport interventions. HLTH involves the Universities of Southampton, Birmingham, Leeds and University College London.
Objectives
Objectives
Dr Darja Reuschke is Co-Investigator of the HLTH leading a case study on homeworking together with Prof Simon Blainey, the Director of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education. The case study explores how fewer commuting through home-based working can support the net zero policy agenda and increase the health of workers. In the UK in Apr-Jun 2023, ca. 30% of workers aged 16-64 worked some but not all of their working time from home or remotely, 14% exclusively worked at home or remotely, and 56% did not work from home or remotely at all. Homeworking avoids travel. While there is evidence of health benefits, potential emerging concerns include lack of activity, increased incidences of back and neck problems, and widening gaps in health, opportunity and economic inequality.
We will differentiate between individual-level health effects of increased homeworking, area-level transport/environmental effects and wider societal and inequality impacts. Project partners include Active Travel England, Birmingham City Council, Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation, Department for Transport, Go South Coast, Local Council Roads Innovation Group, London Borough of Hackney, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council, Sustrans, and Transport for West Midlands.
Research Team
Research Team
Dr Darja Reuschke