2020/07/09
Keio University
Professor Toshihiro Okubo of the Faculty of Economics at Keio University conducted research on telework and the work, lives, and attitudes of workers in Japan amid the spread of COVID-19, revealing the realities for workers and the state of telework during the pandemic. According to the research, although the telework utilization rate increased by 11 percentage points from January to June 2020, it remains low compared to other countries, with significant differences observed across industries, job types, and regions. The study also highlighted that industries less suited for telework experienced a greater decrease in income, and it brought to light structural problems unique to Japanese companies and society.
This research utilizes a survey of workers conducted as part of a joint research project with the NIRA Research Institute, titled "Questionnaire Survey on the Impact of the Spread of COVID-19 on Work Styles Utilizing Telework, Life, and Attitudes." The academic paper was accepted and published in "Covid Economics."
Please see below for the full press release.