Despite Japanese workers’ strong demand for working remotely, Japanese companies have continued to cut down on telework arrangements since the government downgraded Covid-19 to a lower-risk disease category in May, reports the Straits Times, citing research from Persol Research and Consulting, part of Japanese staffing firm Persol Holdings. The research showed that the ratio of workers adopting flexible telework arrangements has dropped to 22.2%. This is the lowest level since the Covid-19 outbreak in Japan, down from 27.9% in April 2022, when the country’s first Covid-19 state of emergency was declared. It peaked at 28.5% in February 2022.

Meanwhile, 81.9% of those who engage in telework said they want to continue working remotely, without specifying the reasons why. Japanese companies have been reluctant to promote telework, unlike in major economies. Labour market experts quoted by news agency Kyodo said this is because of concerns about the lack of face-to-face communication, the rigid and hierarchical work culture and the slower digital transition in society.