World

Japan Encourages Hardworking Citizens to Embrace a 4-Day Workweek Amid Labor Shortages

Published

2 months ago

2024-08-31

Japan Encourages Hardworking Citizens to Embrace a 4-Day Workweek Amid Labor Shortages

Japan, renowned for its industrious culture and the term “karoshi”—referring to death from overwork—is grappling with a persistent labor shortage by promoting the adoption of a four-day workweek.

This significant shift in labor policy reflects a growing recognition of the need for work-life balance in a country traditionally known for its grueling work habits.

The Government’s Push for Change

In 2021, the Japanese government endorsed the concept of a shorter working week, but progress has been slow.

Currently, only about 8% of Japanese companies offer three or more days off per week, and a mere 7% provide the legally mandated one day off, as reported by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare.

To accelerate adoption, the government launched the “hatarakikata kaikaku” campaign, translating to “innovating how we work.” This initiative aims to promote shorter hours, flexible working arrangements, overtime limits, and paid annual leave.

The campaign includes free consulting services, grants, and a growing collection of success stories to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to implement these changes.

Despite these efforts, uptake has been limited. For instance, Panasonic Holdings Corp., which offers four-day schedules to 63,000 employees, has seen only 150 takers. This modest adoption underscores the challenges the initiative faces.

Cultural and Economic Context

Japan’s work culture has long been characterized by long hours and intense dedication. Employees often face societal pressures to sacrifice personal time for the company, with vacations and overtime often dictated by communal norms rather than personal choice.

While legal regulations exist to limit overtime and ensure two days off per week, many workers still engage in unpaid “service overtime.”

The cultural emphasis on work and the consequential health issues, including approximately 54 deaths annually from overwork-related conditions like heart attacks, highlight the urgency of reform.

Impact on Workers and Companies

Proponents argue that a shorter workweek could help address Japan’s declining birth rate and shrinking workforce. By making jobs more flexible, the policy could attract and retain workers who are raising children, caring for relatives, or seeking better work-life balance.

Akiko Yokohama, who works a four-day schedule at Spelldata, benefits from the extra day off, using it for personal errands and family time. This flexibility reduces stress and supports better health, underscoring the potential advantages of a shorter workweek.

Other companies, such as Fast Retailing, Shionogi & Co., Ricoh, and Hitachi, have also adopted shorter workweeks, reflecting a growing trend even in traditionally demanding industries like finance.

However, critics argue that these policies sometimes lead to employees working the same hours for reduced pay, which could undermine the intended benefits.

The Road Ahead

Despite the government’s push and some positive examples, Japan faces significant hurdles in shifting its deeply ingrained work culture.

With a historically low employee engagement rate—only 6% of Japanese workers report being highly engaged compared to a global average of 23%—there is an evident need for cultural change.

Kanako Ogino of NS Group illustrates a more flexible approach, offering a range of scheduling options to her 4,000 employees.

By regularly surveying her staff about their preferred working arrangements, Ogino strives to balance individual needs with company goals, challenging the traditional view that longer hours equate to greater commitment.

In conclusion, while Japan’s four-day workweek initiative represents a promising step toward modernizing work practices and improving employee well-being, its success will depend on overcoming cultural resistance and ensuring that reforms translate into meaningful benefits for workers.

Source: AP

Salman Ahmad

Salman Ahmad is a seasoned freelance writer who contributes insightful articles to VORNews. With years of experience in journalism, he possesses a knack for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Salman's writing style strikes a balance between depth and accessibility, allowing him to tackle complex topics while maintaining clarity. His commitment to thorough research ensures his pieces are well-informed and thought-provoking. Salman's contributions enrich VORNews' content, offering readers a fresh perspective on current events and pressing issues.

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World

Trudeau Condemned in India By Sikhs and Hindus

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-11

Geoff Thomas

A protest against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau erupted in Delhi, India, on Sunday.

A protest against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau erupted in Delhi, India, on Sunday, November 10, in response to the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada. Hindus and Sikhs united to protest in front of the Canadian embassy in Delhi.

During the protest, a member of the Sikh Global Forum stated, “We are here to demonstrate that Sikhs have not attacked Hindus; we are both linked by blood relations.”

For Hindus, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh sacrificed for their religion. How can they fight with one another? We are here at the Canadian Embassy to deliver a memorandum,” PTI reported.

VIDEO | Members of Hindu Sikh Global Forum stage protest at Canada Embassy in New Delhi, condemning the violence that occurred near a temple in Canada’s Brampton on November 4.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/P4BLJnSYKW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 10, 2024

People from the Hindu Sikh Global Forum were on their way to the High Commission of Canada, Chanakyapuri, to condemn the attack on a Hindu Temple in Canada when they were stopped near Teen Murti Marg by Delhi Police.

#WATCH | Delhi: People of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum on their way to the High Commission of Canada, Chanakyapuri, to protest against the attack on a Hindu Temple in Canada, were stopped at Teen Murti Marg by Police. pic.twitter.com/ONaXu46gJi

— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2024

Notably, Khalistanis stormed a prominent Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, with Canadian police officials implicated. The incident raised concerns about the safety of Hindus in Canada.

Relations between India and Canada have been strained for more than a year, and there is little indication of improvement as recriminations persist.

Because Sikhs play an important role in Canadian politics, both the ruling Liberal Party and the opposition parties court them. India accused Trudeau of engaging in “vote bank politics.” Canada respects India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty but cannot restrict its citizens’ political activity.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with members of the Sikh Caucus.

Recent Indian statements have once again portrayed Trudeau as responsible for the worsening of relations. However, even under a different government, India cannot be certain or optimistic that Canada will comply with its demands for restrictions on Sikh activism.

In April this year, Prime Minister Trudeau, Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and several legislators attended a Sikh event in Toronto, demonstrating the community’s clout.

India opposed the use of “Khalistan” slogans on the day. Years ago, it was clear that relations between Canada and India were strained.

Trudeau traveled to India in February 2018 as part of a high-profile tour. The Indian media claimed the state visit was “downgraded” because Modi did not join his guest on a tour to Gujarat.

The media also noted that Modi did not send a tweet greeting Trudeau.

Surprisingly, the Indian Foreign Ministry addressed Prime Minister Trudeau’s 2018 visit in a statement in October, claiming that it was “aimed at currying favor with a vote bank,” but “rebounded to his discomfort.”

In recent days, Canada and India have exchanged additional allegations. The most significant of these concerns are those of Home Minister Amit Shah, often regarded as the most powerful man behind Modi in the Indian government.

India Slams Trudeau for Leaking Baseless Allegations

India Slams Trudeau for Leaking Baseless Allegations

Geoff Thomas

Geoffrey Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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World

Hamas Leaders Ordered to Leave Qatar

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-11

Geoff Thomas

Qatar has instructed Hamas leaders to leave the country

Qatar has ordered Hamas leaders to leave the country in response to a US request to stop Qatar’s support for the terrorist organization.

In a series of high-stakes communications, Washington informed Qatar that Hamas’ continued presence in Doha is no longer acceptable in light of the militant group’s rejection of recent ceasefire and hostage exchange proposals, prompting Qatar to deliver a similar message to Hamas leaders about ten days earlier.

A US official emphasized the US stance, telling Reuters that “after rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner.” We made this clear to Qatar after Hamas’ rejection weeks ago.”

Despite US pressure, three Hamas officials have denied that Qatar formally requested their departure, Reuters reports.

Since 2012, Qatar has sheltered Hamas leaders as part of a deal to encourage negotiations, particularly during times of heavy tension between Hamas and Israel.

In recent months, Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has led many rounds of discussions to end the carnage in Gaza—a goal that has proven elusive since Hamas rejected a previous cease-fire agreement in mid-October.

The Biden administration’s effort for a resolution in Gaza has acquired urgency as Israel’s retaliatory strikes have ravaged the area, killing an estimated 43,000 Palestinians and causing enormous destruction.

Meanwhile, the recent election of Republican Donald Trump as the next US president has reportedly reduced President Biden’s clout in the last weeks of his presidency.

Previous rounds of talks collapsed when Israel imposed new criteria, including a prospective military presence in Gaza, which Hamas interpreted as changing “last-minute goalposts.”

Last year, similar discussions mediated in Doha resulted in a seven-day cease-fire in Gaza, allowing captives to be released and humanitarian aid to be delivered, but hostilities immediately resumed.

Qatar’s long-standing stance as a mediator has come under growing scrutiny from US politicians. Fourteen Republican senators recently wrote to the Department of State, seeking penalties on Hamas officials in Qatar, their extradition, and a demand that Qatar “end its hospitality” to Hamas.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister, has defended his country’s hosting of Hamas officials, claiming that their presence promotes crucial diplomatic conversations.

Source: Reuters

Hamas Calls for Peace After Trump Wins Election

Hamas Calls for Peace After Trump Wins Election

Geoff Thomas

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World

Iraq Prepares to Allow Men to Marry 9 Years Old Girls

Published

3 days ago

2024-11-10

Geoff Thomas

Iraq to Allow Men to Marry 9 Years Old Girls

The proposed legal change also deprives women of rights to divorce, child custody and inheritance.

Iraq is preparing to lower the legal age of consent from 18 to 9 years old, allowing males to marry young children. The legislative amendment also strips women of their rights to divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

Iraq’s parliament, which is dominated by a coalition of orthodox Shia Muslim parties, is set to vote on an amendment to repeal the country’s “personal status law”.

The legislation, also known as Law 188, was hailed as one of the most progressive in the Middle East when it was established in 1959. It establishes an overarching set of norms for Iraqi families, regardless of religious affiliation.

In addition to lowering the legal marriage age, the amendment would deny women the right to divorce, child custody, and inheritance.

According to the ruling coalition, the decision is consistent with a rigorous interpretation of Islamic law and aims to safeguard young females from “immoral relationships.”

On September 16, the change to Law 188 received its second reading.

It is not the first time Shia parties in Iraq have attempted to reform the personal status law; previous proposals failed in 2014 and 2017, partly due to opposition from Iraqi women.

However, according to Dr Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, the coalition currently has a substantial legislative majority and is close to passing the amendment.

According to experts and campaigners, the amendment would effectively eliminate the country’s most vital women’s rights.

Iraq already has a high rate of child marriage. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), approximately 28% of women in Iraq marry by the age of 18.

This is due to a loophole in personal status law that allows religious leaders, rather than judges, to officiate hundreds of marriages each year, including those involving girls as young as 15, with approval from the father.

Unregistered weddings are common among Iraq’s economically destitute, ultraconservative Shia populations.

However, because the marriage is not legally recognized, the females and any children they have are denied a wide range of privileges. Hospitals, for example, may refuse to accept women for deliveries unless they have a marriage certificate.

According to The Telegraph, the amendment would legitimize these religious weddings, increasing the danger of sexual and physical assault against young girls, as well as denying them access to education and jobs.

The proposed amendment is the governing coalition’s latest attempt to limit women’s rights.

In April, it also made same-sex relationships punishable by up to 15 years in prison despite failing to impose the death penalty. Last year, it decided that media outlets should replace the term “homosexuality” with “sexual deviance” across all platforms.

The term “gender” has also been prohibited.

Before voting on the latest modifications, the Iraqi parliament will hold a formal debate. Women’s rights advocates have accused the government of wanting to “legalize child rape” in response to the action.