Work environment and psychological stress among Work-From-Home software engineers in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study

Background: COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid shift to work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, particularly impacting software engineers. Although WFH offers flexibility, it can blur boundaries between personal and professional life, challenging work-life balance potentially leading to increased psychological stress. The study determined prevalence of psychological stress among WFH software engineers in Sri Lanka and explored factors in work environment contributing to this stress. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 586 software engineers working remotely across Sri Lanka. Data collection was facilitated through an online self-administered questionnaire, which covered sociodemographic details, factors in home work environment, and psychological stress was measured using the Professional Life Stress Scale (PLSS). Bivariate analysis and regression analysis performed with to analyze associations between stress levels and various sociodemographic and work-related factors. Results: Psychological stress was reported by 38.2% of participants, with moderate stress being most common. Female participants were more likely to experience stress than males (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.06–2.45, p = 0.025). Married individuals also showed higher odds of stress compared to unmarried individuals (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.98–2.55, p = 0.062), though this was not statistically significant. Parents of children under one year had slightly increased odds of stress (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.81–2.02, p = 0.277). Lack of flexible work hours was strongly associated with higher stress (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.61–4.66, p < 0.001). In contrast, participants who preferred working from home had significantly lower odds of stress (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05–0.25, p < 0.001), suggesting a protective association. Conclusion: While WFH arrangements provide flexibility, specific factors within home environment and personal circumstances can heighten stress levels. Targeted interventions, such as flexible work policies and enhancements to home work environment, are necessary to alleviate psychological stress among WFH software engineers.