Japan pushes for 4 Day Work Week to improve Work Life Balance of Employees

The Japanese government is now advocating for a four-day workweek, aiming to address both the critical issue of overwork and a severe labor shortage. In Japan, atleast 50 cases of death due to overwork were reported annually. This change in policy is expected to improve work life balance of employees and reduce the burden of overwork.

A New Approach to Work

The call for a shorter workweek isn’t new; it first gained official support in 2021 when Japanese lawmakers backed the idea. Despite this, adoption has been slow. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, only about 8% of companies in Japan currently offer three or more days off each week, and 7% provide only the legally required single day off.

To spur this change, the government has launched a “work style reform” campaign. This initiative promotes shorter hours, flexible work arrangements, and limits on overtime while ensuring paid annual leave. The Ministry is offering free consulting, financial grants, and sharing success stories to encourage more companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to embrace these practices. The campaign, named ‘hatarakikata kaikaku,’ or “innovating how we work,” aims to create a more adaptable work environment that benefits both employers and employees.

Slow Adoption Despite Support

However, the response to these efforts has been tepid. The department managing support services reports that only three companies have sought guidance on making changes and accessing subsidies. Panasonic Holdings Corp. illustrates the slow uptake; out of 63,000 eligible employees, only 150 have opted for the four-day workweek, according to Yohei Mori, who oversees the initiative at one of Panasonic’s subsidiaries.

Japan’s work culture has long been characterized by intense dedication, often at the expense of personal well-being. This cultural norm, rooted in post-war recovery and economic boom, fosters a strong sense of loyalty but also contributes to long hours and overwork. While 85% of employers offer two days off per week and there are legal restrictions on overtime, the practice of “service overtime” — unpaid and unreported extra hours — remains widespread. A recent government report on karoshi revealed at least 54 such fatalities annually, usually from heart attacks or strokes linked to overwork.

Changing Attitudes

The shift toward a shorter workweek represents a significant change in Japan’s work ethic. Tim Craig, author of “Cool Japan,” notes that work is deeply intertwined with one’s identity in Japan. Changing this mindset is crucial for maintaining a viable workforce, especially given the country’s declining birth rate and shrinking working-age population.

Advocates for the four-day workweek argue that it could help retain workers who need more flexibility, such as those with family responsibilities or seeking additional income. Akiko Yokohama, an employee at Spelldata, a tech firm in Tokyo, enjoys the benefits of her four-day workweek. By taking Wednesdays off along with weekends, she finds it easier to manage personal tasks and feels less stressed. Her husband also benefits from a midweek day off, allowing their family to enjoy outings together during quieter weekdays.

Major Companies Leading the Way

Some major companies are already adopting the four-day workweek. Fast Retailing Co. (owner of Uniqlo), pharmaceutical firm Shionogi & Co., and electronics giants like Ricoh Co. and Hitachi are among those offering this option. Even the finance sector, known for its demanding schedules, is beginning to embrace more flexible work arrangements.

However, there are critics who argue that employees on four-day schedules may end up working just as hard for reduced pay. Despite this, there are signs of a shift in attitudes. An annual Gallup survey reveals that Japan ranks low in global employee engagement, with only 6% of workers feeling enthusiastic about their jobs, compared to a global average of 23%.

Kanako Ogino, president of Tokyo-based NS Group, believes flexible hours are essential for attracting talent, particularly in industries dominated by women. Her company offers 30 different scheduling options, including four-day workweeks and extended breaks, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to accommodate diverse individual needs.

Embracing Change

Japan’s journey towards a shorter workweek highlights a broader shift towards improving work-life balance. While the road ahead is challenging, the growing adoption of flexible work arrangements represents a positive step towards a healthier, more sustainable work culture. As the country continues to navigate these changes, the hope is that a balance between work and personal life will become a new norm, benefiting both individuals and the broader economy.