The Impact of Covid-19 on Productivity

Bloom, Nicholas; Bunn, Philip; Mizen, Paul; Smietanka, Pawel; Thwaites, Gregory

Abstract

We analyse the impact of Covid-19 on productivity using data from an innovative monthly firm survey that asks for quantitative impacts of Covid-19 on inputs and outputs. We find total factor productivity (TFP) fell by up to 6% during 2020-21. The overall impact combined large reductions in 'within-firm' productivity, with offsetting positive 'between-firm' effects as less productive sectors, and less productive firms within them, contracted. Despite these large pandemic effects, firms' post-Covid forecasts imply surprisingly little lasting impact on aggregate TFP. We also see significant heterogeneity over firms and sectors, with the greatest impacts in those requiring extensive in-person activity.

Citation

Bloom, N., Bunn, P., Mizen, P., Smietanka, P., & Thwaites, G. (in press). The Impact of Covid-19 on Productivity. Review of Economics and Statistics,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 19, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 5, 2023
• Print ISSN: 0034-6535
• Electronic ISSN: 1530-9142
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/15715284