The Latest Remote Work Statistics in Japan for 2024

Doda, a job search site, has released results from a survey of 15,000 users, aimed at understanding the current trend of remote work in Japanese companies.

This online survey ran from August to September 2023, so consider this the latest remote work statistics on current workstyle trends for Japan’s workforce. 

51.2% of respondents say remote work/telework is permitted at their company

The question: Is remote work (working from home/telework) allowed at your current company?

• Remote work/telework is allowed at my current company 51.2%

• I do not know 11.2%

• It is not allowed at my company 37.7%

Among the 51.2% who said that working from home was allowed at their present company, 27.4% answered that they are currently practicing remote work, while 23.8%—less than half—said that their company allows it but they are not currently practicing remote work.

Of those who answered that remote work was not permitted at their company, 7.2% said that it was allowed on a temporary basis, but has not been allowed in the last three months (June to August).

Further answers indicated that after the COVID-19 pandemic infection rate slowed, companies that had previously allowed remote work during the peak of the pandemic have now changed their policy back to require in-office work.

However, it is notable that more than half of the business professionals surveyed work at companies that allow employees to work remotely.

This Japanese survey isn't too far off US numbers.

In Mckinsey's American Opportunity Study published in 2022, from a pool of 25,000 Americans, 58% of Americans noted that they were able to work remotely at least part of the time.

Japanese public sentiment on remote work in the future

Respondents who were actually working remotely were asked the following question: Will remote work continue as before in the future?

• It will continue 57.2%

• It will be discontinued 9.4%

• I don't know 33.5%

Of those who answered that it would continue, 11.2% responded that they felt the number of days they would be allowed to work remotely would decrease.

A separate survey inquiring about the number of days remote workers are working from home indicated that 2 to 3 days a week is the most common frequency.

Difficulties as a result of the discontinuation or reduction of remote work/telework

Respondents were asked: Do you have any concerns or difficulties due to the discontinuation or reduction of remote work?

• Neither yes nor no 27.6%

• No 18.7%

• Not really 16.8%

• Yes 16.1%

• Somewhat 20.8%

Regarding the nature of these concerns or difficulties, many respondents commented on the challenges of balancing work with responsibilities such as childcare and caregiving.

Comments included a woman in her 30s working in quality control/assurance (materials/chemicals/food industry), who said, "In case of a child's sudden illness, I can rush back quickly if I'm working remotely. I commute by train, and there have been times when the train stopped, and I couldn't make it in time to pick up my child."

An example of another situation included a woman in her 30s working as an engineer who noted, "I was able to do household chores during commute time, so I had a better work-life balance. With the reduction of remote work, the time I have for private learning has decreased."

Perceived benefits of discontinuing remote work

Respondents were asked: Are there any positive aspects or satisfactions from the discontinuation or reduction of remote work?

• Yes, there are some 4.4%

• Perhaps, somewhat 12.3%

• No 26.0%

• Not really were 20.4%

The negative responses exceeded those who answered positively.

However, in the comments about the positive aspects or satisfactions, many mentioned that communication became easier with going to the office and that reduced time at home lowers personal energy utility bills.

What kind of workstyle do working professionals in Japan want?

Respondents were asked: If you could choose freely, where would you like to work?

• Hybrid work (a combination of remote work and going to the office) 41.5%

• Work from home 19.7%

• The place approved by the company (office, shop, factory, etc.) 38%

• Other 0.7%

Having experienced remote work and its pros and cons, many may now prefer a balance between working from home and going to the office.

Combining respondents who replied with work from home along with hybrid or flexible work, it turns out that more than 60% (61.2%) of the total respondents prefer a work style that includes the possibility of remote work.

While the majority of Japanese professionals desire remote work options, this statistic is noticeably less than employee sentiment from other countries.

For instance, in the United States, 98% of workers want to work remote at least some of the time, according to Forbes Advisor. 

Summary

• 51.2% of working professionals from the survey report that remote work/telework is permitted; 27.4% are currently practicing remote work; 23.8% have the option but are not practicing it.

• Many companies reverted to in-office work post-COVID-19, but over half still allow remote work.

• Comparison with US Data: Similar to the US where 58% can work remotely part-time (McKinsey's American Opportunity Study, 2022).

• 57.2% believe remote work will continue in the future.

• 11.2% expect a decrease in remote working days.

• Common remote work frequency: 2-3 days a week.

• Perceived benefits of in-office work: Improved communication and reduced home energy costs.

• 41.5% of the online respondents prefer hybrid work.

• 19.7% favor working from home.

• 38% prefer a company-approved location.

• 61.2% show interest in work styles including remote work.

• Global comparison: Lower preference for remote work in Japan compared to 98% in the US who desire some remote work (Forbes Advisor).