Covid: the effects of compulsory teleworking on the economy are (already) being felt

Elise Denjean, edited by Ugo Pascolo 06:59, January 08, 2022

Consequences that are already being felt.

While the epidemic is blazing in France, with in particular 400,000 cases identified

for the single day of Monday, employees who can are forced to telework.

A mandatory measure put in place since Monday, January 3 to curb the fifth wave of coronavirus.

And less than a week after the comeback of teleworking, it has very concrete effects on the French economy.

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Less trips ...

First of all, the French travel less, whether by transport or by car. In Île-de-France for example, on Tuesday we were at 60% of the normal pre-Covid attendance on the entire network of metros, buses, trams and RER. If we compare to mid-December, just before the Christmas holidays, this represents nearly two million fewer trips during the day, according to figures from Île-de-France Mobilités.

And on the roads too, there are fewer people.

We can see the decrease in the number of kilometers of traffic jams, twice lower than the average on Friday morning.

Another indicator: consumption in service stations which, according to initial estimates from the industry, is down by 5 to 10%.

Almost half of the operators of these stations say they are already having a significant impact.

And this is only the beginning since the French do not refuel every week.

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... and clear and rapid effects on consumption 

The effects of teleworking are also felt among traders, especially in office areas. The restaurateurs who are established there have lost half of their turnover, against -30% nationally. In the Parisian district of La Défense, the hairdressing salons of the Provalliance group, such as Franck Provost or Jean-Louis David, have seen their attendance drop by 30 to 40% during this period which is already traditionally quiet after the end of the year celebrations.

The same goes for dry cleaners and laundries, where executives no longer leave their shirts and suits.

One of the biggest brands is already posting a 35% drop in turnover.

On the other hand, all - including representatives of shopping centers - agree that there has been a shift in consumption to more residential areas, away from large cities.

In short, the French consume where they telework.