Jacob Feord Sano

Graduate School of Economics, Waseda University

I am a second year PhD student and JSPS DC2 research fellow in the Waseda University Graduate School of Economics.
My research focuses on macroeconomics and labor topics.

Contact

Email: jacobfs[at sign]akane.waseda.jp

Working Papers

  • "Wage Penalties for Workplace Amenities: Evidence from remote work in the United States" - Jacob Sano, 2025
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    Abstract: Following its popularization during the COVID-19 pandemic, work from home (WFH) has become a highly desired workplace amenity. In this paper, I present an empirical estimation of the wage penalty that workers in the US face for the ability to WFH using a nationally representative dataset. Estimation results show that a worker moving from infrequent WFH to frequent or full WFH is associated with an earnings reduction of approximately 2%. This penalty is smaller than existing estimates of workers' valuation of WFH, suggesting that workers may not yet be paying the full value they place on the amenity. In further analysis, I find that there is heterogeneity in the wage penalty across industries: industries with a higher share of WFH-compatible jobs-such as “information” and “finance and insurance”-tend to exhibit lower, or even nonexistent, penalties. Additionally, I present evidence that women raising children face a significantly steeper penalty for WFH than do other groups. This suggests possible limitations in using WFH as a tool for reducing the “child penalty” and narrowing the gender wage gap.

Work in Progress

  • "Skill Price Dynamics and Technological Change"
  • "Policy Preference in a Pandemic: Evidence from Japan"

Upcoming Events

  • July 23-25: 3rd RISE Workshop (Waseda University)
  • September 13-14: JEA Fall Conference (Hirosaki University)
  • October 22-24: Conference on Remote Work (Stanford University)

Advisor

My work is conducted under the guidance of Munechika Katayama.