Health equity in the context of home office work: a systematic review of social determinants and public health implications

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, raising new questions about health equity in home office settings. While remote work offers flexibility and reduces commuting-related stress, it may exacerbate existing social inequalities in access to healthy work environments, ergonomic office setups, and mental well-being support Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA-S guidelines. We searched multiple databases for studies examining health equity in remote work settings, focusing on social determinants of health as defined by the World Health Organization. Studies were included if they addressed occupational health disparities, mental well-being, work-life balance, or digital accessibility in remote work contexts, with particular attention to the German and European context. Results: The review identified significant disparities in occupational health outcomes, mental well-being, work-life balance, and digital accessibility across different socioeconomic groups. Workers in higher-income positions typically have better access to ergonomic equipment and employer support, while lower-income workers face increased risks of musculoskeletal disorders and mental health challenges. Digital inequality and accessibility barriers further compound these disparities. Conclusion: Remote work has created new dimensions of health inequality that require targeted policy interventions and employer initiatives. Recommendations include government subsidies for home office equipment, mandatory employer support for ergonomic setups, enhanced digital inclusion programs, and implementation of “right to disconnect” legislation.