| Abstract |
This paper examines the characteristics of remote work using a unique Japanese survey dataset that provides information on engagement in remote work together with the specific job task and human resource management (HRM) characteristics workers face. We show that the opportunity to work re-motely was more likely to be available to those in professional occupations, characterized by non-routine, analytical and non-interactive tasks, and less likely to be available to service sector workers requiring face-to-face interactive tasks or manual laborers, characterized by routine and manual tasks. We also find that workers subject to HRM practices that presuppose that worker performance is measurable are more likely to engage in remote work. The implications of these findings for income transfer policies and management practices in light of the COVID-19 pandemic are also discussed.
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