Dynamics of the Determinants of Teleworking in Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina 2019-2021

Abstract

This article analyzes the determinants of the use of teleworking and makes an empirical application in Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina from 2019 to 2021. This to answer: (i) What are the determinants of teleworking? (ii) How have they evolved recently? and (iii) what similarities and differences are found between the countries studied? Therefore, we proposed a theoretical perspective to choose to use teleworking based on the rationality of firms and workers. In addition, we estimate econometric models of binary choice. We found that the probability of using telework increases in the quaternary and tertiary sectors of the economy; in small and, recently, in large firms; in workers with experience and, especially, with high levels of education. Regarding the evolution of these determinants, the estimates indicate that the relevance of the level of education, work experience and sectors prone to teleworking have been increasing over time; while having children at home show an increasingly negative effect, albeit slight. When comparing countries, it is found that the determinants of teleworking and its main patterns are similar.