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Does Working from Home Boost Productivity Growth?

Author

Listed:
  • John G. Fernald
  • Ethan Goode
  • Huiyu Li
  • Brigid C. Meisenbacher

Abstract

An enduring consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is a notable shift toward remote and hybrid work. This has raised questions regarding whether the shift had a significant effect on the growth rate of U.S. productivity. Analyzing the relationship between GDP per hour growth and the ability to telework across industries shows that industries that are more adaptable to remote work did not experience a bigger decline or boost in productivity growth since 2020 than less adaptable industries. Thus, teleworking most likely has neither substantially held back nor boosted productivity growth.

Suggested Citation

  • John G. Fernald & Ethan Goode & Huiyu Li & Brigid C. Meisenbacher, 2024. "Does Working from Home Boost Productivity Growth?," FRBSF Economic Letter, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, vol. 2024(02), pages 1-6, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedfel:97608
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicholas Bloom & James Liang & John Roberts & Zhichun Jenny Ying, 2015. "Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 130(1), pages 165-218.
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    Cited by:

    1. John G. Fernald & Huiyu Li & Brigid C. Meisenbacher & Aren S. Yalcin, 2024. "Productivity During and Since the Pandemic," FRBSF Economic Letter, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, vol. 2024(31), pages 1-6, November.

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