• 3,000 firms
  • Independent
  • Trusted
Save up to 70% on staff

News » Japan pushes four-day workweek to tackle labor shortage

Japan pushes four-day workweek to tackle labor shortage

TOKYO, JAPAN — Japan is promoting the adoption of four-day workweeks among its notoriously hardworking citizens to address its worrying labor shortage.

The government’s “work style reform” campaign aims to create a more flexible work environment and improve work-life balance in a country known for its intense work culture.

Slow adoption despite government support

The Japanese government first supported shorter workweeks in 2021, but the concept has been slow to gain traction. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, only 8% of companies currently offer three or more days off per week. Many employees are hesitant to adopt the new system, with pressures to conform and fear of losing income holding them back.

To encourage wider adoption, especially among small and medium-sized businesses, the labor ministry is offering free consulting, grants, and a growing library of success stories.

“By realizing a society in which workers can choose from a variety of working styles based on their circumstances, we aim to create a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution and enable each and every worker to have a better outlook for the future,” states the ministry’s website about the “hatarakikata kaikaku” campaign.

Cultural challenges and shifting attitudes

Despite these efforts, the initiative faces significant challenges. Japanese companies, long known for their workaholic culture, have been slow to embrace more flexible working conditions. Even Panasonic, which offers the option to its 63,000 employees, has seen only 150 workers take up the four-day workweek. This reflects the deep-rooted societal expectations that prioritize loyalty and long hours.

The country even has the term “karoshi,” which means “death from overwork.” A recent government white paper reported at least 54 such fatalities annually.

However, there are signs of change. Some major companies, including Fast Retailing Co. (owner of Uniqlo), Shionogi & Co., and Hitachi, have begun offering four-day workweek options. Even in the demanding finance industry, firms like SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. and Mizuho Financial Group have introduced flexible scheduling.

Benefits and employee experiences

Proponents of the three-days-off model argue that it encourages people with various responsibilities, such as childcare or elder care, to remain in the workforce longer. 

Akiko Yokohama, an employee at Spelldata, a Tokyo-based technology company offering four-day schedules, shares her experience: “It’s hard when you aren’t feeling well to keep going for five days in a row. The rest allows you to recover or go see the doctor. Emotionally, it’s less stressful.”

While challenges remain, this shift in work culture could be a crucial step toward addressing Japan’s labor shortage and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

Read more here.

Start your
journey today

  • Independent
  • Free
  • Transparent

About OA

Outsource Accelerator is the trusted source of independent information, advisory and expert implementation of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

The #1 outsourcing authority

Outsource Accelerator offers the world’s leading aggregator marketplace for outsourcing. It specifically provides the conduit between Philippines outsourcing suppliers and the businesses – clients – across the globe.

The Outsource Accelerator website has over 5,000 articles, 450+ podcast episodes, and a comprehensive directory with 4000+ BPO companies… all designed to make it easier for clients to learn about – and engage with – outsourcing.

About Derek Gallimore

Derek Gallimore has been in business for 20 years, outsourcing for over eight years, and has been living in Manila (the heart of global outsourcing) since 2014. Derek is the founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, and is regarded as a leading expert on all things outsourcing.

“Excellent service for outsourcing advice and expertise for my business.”

Learn more
Banner Image
Get 3 Free Quotes Verified Outsourcing Suppliers
3,000 firms.Just 2 minutes to complete.
SAVE UP TO
70% ON STAFF COSTS
Learn more

Connect with over 3,000 outsourcing services providers.

Banner Image

Transform your business with skilled offshore talent.

  • 3,000 firms
  • Simple
  • Transparent
Banner Image