Impact on Fitness and Lifestyle Behaviors of Telework versus Office Work in the Military Setting

The goal of this project is to investigate the impact of teleworking, which became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the health and physical performance of military personnel in Belgian Defense. Military personnel are expected to meet various demands for physical fitness, supported by collective motivation and engagement. Their physical fitness depends on factors such as exercise, mental resilience, motivation, nutrition, hydration, and recovery, all of which can be influenced by changes in the work environment.
The long-term effects of increased telework on soldiers' health, particularly physical performance and well-being, remain unclear. As teleworking is expected to continue post-pandemic, it is essential to investigate its effects and implement corrective measures. Defense is uniquely positioned to collect longitudinal data on physical performance and health, making this analysis invaluable.
This research has broader societal implications, as the findings can also inform social practices outside of Defense. Prioritizing this study and its associated strategies is crucial for navigating this evolving work landscape effectively.

This project HFM/22-02 is financed under the DFR call .