[COVID-19: modification of the risk of infection and disease development associated with the performance of blended work.]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Transmission

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted labor markets, necessitating new work models.
• Companies adopted face-to-face, remote, or blended work without clear evidence on SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks.
• This study addresses the lack of scientific data on infection risk in blended work environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with blended work versus remote work.
• To compare infection risk in a non-healthcare company with the general population.
• To assess disease development risk while maintaining safety protocols.

Main Methods:

• An observational ecological and retrospective cohort study design was employed.
• COVID-19 incidence data were collected from a non-healthcare company and the Community of Madrid (Sept 2020 - Apr 2021).
• Statistical analysis included Chi-squared distribution (χ²) and Odds Ratio (OR) calculation for remote vs. blended work periods.

Main Results:

• The study population incidence (9.5%) was comparable to the Community of Madrid (7.81%).
• No statistically significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection risk were found between blended work and remote work (OR 0.59).
• The risk of infection in the company population was not significantly different from the general population.

Conclusions:

• Performing blended work with safety measures in a non-healthcare company does not elevate SARS-CoV-2 infection risk.
• No statistically significant evidence supports increased disease transmission with blended work models under these conditions.
• The findings suggest that hybrid work models can be safely implemented with appropriate precautions.