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