Work productivity loss and work-related factors during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional web-based survey

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ichikura, Kanako^{a; b; *} | Fukase, Yuko^{a; b} | Asada, Fuminari^c | Hino, Ayako^d | Tanoue, Asuka^e | Murase, Hanako^{a; b} | Shimazu, Akihito^f | Tagaya, Hirokuni^{a; b}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Health Science, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Minami, Japan | [b] Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Minami, Japan | [c] Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety Kobe Rosai Hospital, Chuou, Japan | [d] University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan | [e] Sompo Health Support Inc., Chiyoda, Japan | [f] Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Kanako Ichikura, 1-15-1 Kitazato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan. Tel.: +81 42 778 8031; Fax: +81 42 778 8031; E-mail:ichikura-creha@umin.ac.jp.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic could have led to a technological revolution however it has caused work productivity loss, especially among people working from home. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the frequency and related factors of work productivity loss, focusing on work-related factors, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of Japanese workers. Questionnaires were distributed using snowball sampling through e-mail and social networking sites. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 708 non-medical workers reported subjective work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic, compared with before. A multiple regression analysis showed that living with preschool-age children, having poor mental health, not using video conferencing solutions, and increased e-mail communication were related to work productivity loss. A subgroup analysis of those working from home showed similar variables associated with work productivity loss. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of workers in Japan experienced work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic. Moreover, factors such as time-consuming tasks or background distractions might lead to operational inefficacy.

Keywords: COVID-19, infections, efficiency, teleworking, mental health, family characteristics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230415

Journal: Work, vol. 79, no. 1, pp. 83-91, 2024