Remote work creates new workers’ compensation challenges

At first glance, remote work appears to be a positive development from a workers’ compensation perspective. Research from NCCI found that occupations most compatible with remote work saw significant declines in claim frequency post-pandemic. Office-based workers, in particular, saw far fewer claims than in prior years, largely because they were no longer exposed to hazards associated with commuting and traditional office environments. Slip-and-fall injuries, motor vehicle collisions, and other incidents tied to physical workplaces declined as remote work became more prevalent.

However, lower claim frequency does not necessarily mean less risk. As work shifts from employer-controlled offices to homes, employees increasingly face ergonomic challenges that can contribute to musculoskeletal injuries. Makeshift workstations in employees’ homes — for example, kitchen tables and couches — often replace adjustable desks and professionally designed office environments. Prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inadequate workstation setups can contribute to neck pain, back strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive strain injuries that develop gradually over time.

These injuries present a unique challenge because they often emerge slowly rather than resulting from a single, identifiable incident. In a traditional office, an employee experiencing discomfort may have access to ergonomic assessments, occupational health resources, or informal opportunities to raise concerns before symptoms worsen. Remote employees may be less likely to seek assistance or report early symptoms, allowing minor issues to develop into chronic conditions requiring medical treatment and time away from work.

The rise of remote work has also blurred the line between work and personal activities, creating new questions about compensability. In a conventional workplace, it is usually easier to determine whether an injury occurred while an employee was performing job duties. Employers control the environment, work schedules are more clearly defined, and co-workers may witness incidents. In a home environment, those distinctions are less obvious. Employees may move between professional and personal responsibilities throughout the day, making it more difficult to establish whether an injury arose out of and in the course of employment.

For claims professionals and employers, this creates significant investigative challenges. Traditional evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, or workplace inspections may not be available. Instead, claim evaluations often require a review of work schedules, electronic communications, calendar records, and other documentation to determine what an employee was doing when an injury occurred.