Professor Toshihiro Okubo of the Faculty of Economics, Keio University investigated the introduction of telework due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, and found that the more unsuitable for telework, the greater the decline in income.Professor Okubo believes that the structural issues facing the Japanese economy and the problems facing society have become prominent.
Keio University, together with the National Institute for Research Advancement, conducted a questionnaire survey of about 4 workers nationwide in April before the declaration of emergency and in June after the declaration of emergency was lifted.
According to the report, the introduction rate of telework increased to 1% in January, 6% in March, and 3% from April to May under the state of emergency.Although it dropped to 10% in June after the cancellation, there is no doubt that the introduction of the new corona has progressed, and it seems that telework has taken root to some extent.
However, the introduction rate reached 6% in June in Tokyo, and while the introduction rate was high in the metropolitan areas of Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures, the introduction rate in other regions was low, and regional disparities were widespread. Remarkable.By industry, the information and telecommunications industry showed a high introduction rate of 33%, but the restaurant and accommodation industry did not increase its introduction at 46%.On a company scale, the larger the number of employees, the higher the introduction rate.
Industries and occupations with a low introduction rate of telework are not suitable for telework, and at the same time, their income has declined significantly.We have not yet overcome the low introduction rate compared to other countries.
Professor Okubo will continue his research to clarify the real image of the economy in the Corona disaster and the problems of the Japanese economy.
Paper information:[Covid Economics] Spread of COVID-19 and Telework: Evidence from Japan
