#Japan #Tokyo #remote work #LASSIC #Telework Research

Exploring the Differences in Enjoying Autumn for Remote and In-Office Workers

With the arrival of autumn, companies and workers alike are beginning to reflect on how seasonal changes affect their work experiences. A recent survey conducted by LASSIC, through its platform, the Telework and Remote Work Research Institute, gathered insights from 1,004 working professionals aged 20 to 65 across Japan. The focus: to understand the differences in how remote and in-office workers engage with the autumn season.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey discovered several compelling trends regarding workers' experiences in autumn. When asked what seasonal pleasures they identified during work in autumn, participants were allowed multiple responses. The top choice, selected by 44.2% of respondents, was the comfort of working in pleasant temperatures. This finding aligns with the timing of the survey, conducted in August during extreme summer heat, indicating a strong yearning for cooler, more pleasant weather.

Following comfort, 23.2% of respondents favored meals featuring seasonal ingredients, and another 20.9% appreciated being able to enjoy autumn flavors at home. This highlights the Japanese cultural concept of 'Aki no Shokutaku,' or the enjoyment of food in autumn, showcasing how culinary preferences play into the seasonal experience.

Gender-Specific Trends in Seasonal Enjoyment

Delving deeper into the data, distinct patterns emerged when breaking down the responses by gender and work style. For instance, men who worked in-office were more likely to enjoy seasonal lunches compared to their female counterparts, who predominantly favored eating seasonal dishes at home. This clear divide suggests that the in-office experience fosters different types of seasonal enjoyment related to food.

Conversely, when considering autumn fashion, women working remotely displayed a greater inclination to embrace unique autumn clothing styles. Survey data showed that both remote and in-office women were keen on expressing seasonal fashion, yet those working from home appeared to enjoy this freedom even more due to fewer constraints in attire selection. In stark contrast, only 8.5% of remote-working men felt the same, suggesting that they may be less concerned with their appearance in a home environment.

Seasonal Activities: Exercise and Reading

The survey explored not only food and fashion but also seasonal activities traditionally associated with autumn such as sports and reading. Surprisingly, the data revealed that both remote workers reported higher engagement in workout habits (like yoga or walking during breaks) and increased reading or learning time than those who worked in an office.

Historically, commuting time was often allocated for reading; however, the modern trend of switching to digital content on smartphones has led to diminishing reading habits, suggesting that the remote work environment has changed the way people allocate their personal time.

Upcoming Trends: Winter and Beyond

Interestingly, while initial assumptions suggested that in-office workers would experience a richer array of autumnal sensations, the survey results showed little difference between the two groups concerning experiences with seasonal flora, such as enjoying autumn leaves. The survey indicated that both remote and in-office workers might appreciate the aesthetic aspects of autumn equally.

Despite these insights, significant disparities were evident in how different groups engaged with food, fashion, and personal activities, paving the way for more detailed future study. LASSIC plans to conduct further surveys focusing on winter themes to uncover how work styles influence enjoyment across seasons.

This interesting survey has offered a fresh perspective on the workings of seasons and how they weave into the fabric of our professional lives. For ongoing updates and insights into the correlation between remote work and seasonal enjoyment, please stay tuned to the Telework Research Institute.

About LASSIC

Founded in 2006, LASSIC aims to lead the shift towards a remote society while contributing to societal advancements in workforce management and innovation. To find out more about our findings and services, visit our website: LASSIC.