Tough feedback on quality, rates illustrates service's unmet potential
TOKYO — Japan looks to turn housekeeping into a full-fledged service sector with the debut of a new certification scheme and by welcoming foreign workers, but obstacles tied to quality and rates inhibit the development of these businesses.
The number of companies that send housekeepers to customers as needed — in contrast to traditional maids employed directly by households — has tripled in the past decade to about 700. This market eventually is expected to grow sixfold to 600 billion yen ($5.3 billion) as Japan’s population ages and more women seek employment.
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