Journal of Business Administration (JBA)
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

Beyond the Office: Navigating Ergonomic Mismatch and Psychosocial Challenges in Long-Term Remote Work

Serpian, Serpian (Unknown)
Asmar, Kurniati (Unknown)
Hirman, Hirman (Unknown)
Rahmatillah, Rahmatillah (Unknown)
Abdul-Rahaman, Osman (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the in-depth experiences of long-term remote workers as they navigate physical and psychosocial challenges within their domestic environments. By integrating a Macroergonomics perspective and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), it addresses the gap in reductionist literature that separates physical pain from mental stress. We frame home ergonomics as a complex ecosystem involving space negotiation and "ergonomic improvisation." Methodologically, this qualitative study uses an IPA design with purposive sampling of knowledge-based workers who have: 1) at least two years of full remote experience, and 2) high work intensity on Visual Display Terminals (VDTs). Data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research identified four superordinate themes: 1) domestic workstation improvisation, where using multifunctional areas like sofas creates an ergonomic mismatch; 2) physiological impact, characterized by high rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) due to sedentary behavior; 3) psychosocial dynamics, where social isolation and telepressure erode mental well-being; and 4) blurring of work-life boundaries, where working in bedrooms or across asynchronous time zones disrupts recovery. It is concluded that conventional ergonomic interventions are inadequate. Instead, a holistic Macroergonomics approach is needed, integrating: 1) workflow redesign, 2) boundary management training, and 3) structured virtual social support to ensure the sustainability and well-being of remote workers.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jba

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Business Administration (JBA) merupakan jurnal ilmiah yang memuat tulisan dalam bentuk artikel penelitian (research article), literatur review (studi literatur), dan review buku (book review), artikel opini (perspective article) yang diterbitkan oleh Jurusan Administrasi Niaga, Politeknik ...