The Growing Trend of Four-Day Workweeks in Japan

Japan, known for its hardworking culture, is making strides towards a better work-life balance by promoting the adoption of four-day workweeks. The Japanese government officially expressed support for this concept in 2021, but it has been slow to catch on.

Currently, only about 8% of companies in Japan allow employees to take three or more days off per week. To encourage more companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to embrace shorter working weeks, the government launched a “work style reform” campaign. This campaign promotes shorter hours, overtime limits, paid annual leave, and other flexible arrangements.

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare is providing free consulting, grants, and success stories to motivate businesses to make changes. The goal is to create a society where workers can choose from various working styles based on their circumstances, leading to better growth and distribution.

Despite these efforts, the initiative faces challenges. Only three companies have sought advice on implementing the four-day workweek model. Even at companies like Panasonic Holdings Corp., where employees have the option for a four-day schedule, uptake has been low, with only 150 out of 63,000 eligible employees opting for it.

The shift towards shorter workweeks represents a significant change in Japan’s work culture, which has long emphasized workaholic tendencies. Conformist pressures to prioritize work over personal life have been deeply ingrained in Japanese society, leading to issues like “karoshi,” or death from overwork.

However, with Japan’s declining birth rate and the need to retain workers, the government is pushing for more flexible work arrangements. The four-day workweek model is seen as a way to keep people in the workforce longer, especially those balancing caregiving responsibilities and looking for additional income.

Companies like Fast Retailing Co., Shionogi & Co., Ricoh Co., and Hitachi have already adopted the four-day workweek, with even finance industry players like SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. and Mizuho Financial Group offering similar options.

Despite some critics arguing that employees on four-day schedules may end up working just as hard for less pay, there are signs of change. A Gallup survey revealed that only 6% of Japanese workers described themselves as engaged at work, indicating a need for new approaches to improve work satisfaction and productivity.

Offering flexible work hours is increasingly seen as vital, especially in the service industry where women make up a significant portion of the workforce. Companies like NS Group are providing various scheduling options to accommodate individual needs and improve employee satisfaction.

The shift towards shorter workweeks in Japan represents a shift towards a healthier work-life balance and a more engaged workforce. As the country navigates demographic challenges and changing work norms, initiatives like the four-day workweek are becoming increasingly important in shaping the future of work in Japan.