70% of Japanese workers seek right to disconnect
TOKYO, JAPAN — A recent survey by Japan’s largest labor union, Rengo, found that 70% of Japanese workers want the legal “right to disconnect” and refuse work contact after hours.
The survey of 1,000 employees revealed increasing after-hours contact, with 72% saying they’ve been contacted outside official work time compared to 64% before the pandemic.
Rengo, which represents over 7 million workers, argues this highlights a need to reevaluate work-life balance norms as remote work and flexible arrangements have blurred boundaries.
Not setting clear boundaries between work and personal life will eventually lead to employee burnout.
Though 73% wish to refuse after-hours calls and emails, only 26% reported current rules allowing that.
Rengo has pushed for greater work reforms and employee protections in recent years. It also seeks a 5% wage hike, biggest in 28 years.
