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Return-to-Office Mandates, Health and Well-Being: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Costi, Chiara

    (University of Luxembourg)

  • Clark, Andrew E.

    (Paris School of Economics)

  • D'Ambrosio, Conchita

    (University of Luxembourg)

  • Lepinteur, Anthony

    (University of Luxembourg)

  • Menta, Giorgia

    (LISER)

Abstract

We here exploit an exogenous shift in working conditions for public-sector workers in Italy to establish the causal effect of a return-to-office (RTO) mandate on worker health and well-being. In nine waves of quarterly panel data we first find a significant fall in teleworking for those affected by the RTO mandate, who also spend more time outdoors, work fewer hours, and interact less with relatives and friends. The net effect of these lifestyle changes on a battery of health and well-being measures following the return to office work is insignificant. The place of work post-pandemic has neither positive nor negative health implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Costi, Chiara & Clark, Andrew E. & D'Ambrosio, Conchita & Lepinteur, Anthony & Menta, Giorgia, 2024. "Return-to-Office Mandates, Health and Well-Being: Evidence from a Natural Experiment," IZA Discussion Papers 17355, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17355
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    return to office; working from home; health; well-being;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J88 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Public Policy

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