Japan Announces Four-Day Workweek To Boost Fertility Rates: Will It Help?

Through time, each generation has been in the process of developing their ideals and perspectives towards work, home, and society. If we look back on this journey, we can find how society gradually evolved from its early, primitive stages towards a more advanced understanding of our interconnectedness through technology and modern ideals. This change has had a very deep impact on our workplaces, which are changing from patriarchal and male-dominated environments to more gender-inclusive and diverse. This is a positive change, increasing awareness of the value of everyone's contribution and experience, creating a more supportive and enriching atmosphere for all that work towards work-life balance.

In 2021, the Japanese government voiced its support for a shorter working week action, which many welcomed and encouraged. Though slow-paced, it is leading towards being a mainstream phenomenon. As people are grasping the essence of the concept of work-life balance; it has led the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to introduce a new system coming in April, wherein every employee gets to take three days off during any particular week.

Examining the subtleties of work-life balance in Japan's four-day workweek

Understanding the plight of small and medium-sized businesses, the Japanese government has compassionately launched a "work style reform" campaign to try to reduce working hours and provide flexible arrangements. This has recognised the need for a work-life balance by including basic measures to limit overtime and encourage much-needed paid annual leave. To aid the companies in this process of change, the labour ministry provides free counselling, subsidies, and a growing library of success stories that help serve as an inspiration.

The commitment of the ministry is reflected gallantly through their endorsement of this venture: "By fostering a society wherein employees can choose from any working style that best describes their circumstances, we expect to create a virtuous cycle of growth and equity empowering every worker to believe in a brighter future." The "hatarakikata kaikaku" initiative, or "innovating how we work," represents a heartfelt endeavour to cultivate a more inclusive and understanding workplace environment in Japan.

The Japanese government's recent support towards work-life balance reflects a deep understanding of the challenges many face in a culture that has traditionally celebrated workaholism. For decades, this commitment to hard work has fuelled Japan's recovery and remarkable economic growth since the Second World War, at the same time imposing very heavy pressure on the people.

Many employees take holidays only in pre-arranged holiday seasons such as Bon holidays or New Year lest they be accused of being neglected by their peers. Although it is commendable that 85% of employers reported offering two days off a week, as well as legal protection in overtime hours, the facts say otherwise. Even today, the practice of unpaid "service overtime" is very much prevalent because many workers silently suffer from extra hours not being accounted for.

Tragically, this can be very fatal, and just recently, a government report indicated at least 54 annual fatalities through "karoshi" or death caused by overwork which includes heart attacks attributed to stress and exhaustion. It must also be remembered that the Japanese people are known for being serious and hardworking. And they give high importance to the relationships they set up with their colleagues at work. They establish a solid bond in their workplaces that is a significant part of their lives.

This cultural phenomenon is wonderfully depicted through TV shows and manga, as well as in various other media forms by the importance that is given by the workplace to the grander scheme of Japanese life. The government's efforts to create a more empathetic work environment are a genuine step toward addressing these changing social needs. Promoting a healthier work-life balance offers hope for the future when people can thrive personally and professionally, receiving care and value in every aspect of living.

The endeavour of a four-day- workweek to boost fertility rates

Japan is grappling with a significant decline in its fertility rate, which dropped to a record low of 1.2 in June, well below the 2.1 needed for population stability. Last year, only 727,277 births were recorded, despite government efforts to encourage young people to marry and start families. To combat this crisis, the government has introduced policies aimed at promoting paternity leave and improving work conditions.

Long hours and the risk of “karoshi” (death from overwork) create an environment where women often feel pressured to choose between careers and family, compounded by a significant gender gap in labour force participation. 

While the four-day workweek has emerged as a buzzword in the West, boosting work-life balance, Japanese corporations find it quite hard in terms of cultural changes. Mostly, long hours are considered symbols of loyalty among employees in countries like Japan. In addition to this, Singapore also included flexible working guidelines with acknowledgement of family-friendly policies.

This initiative comes alongside another compassionate policy designed to support parents of young children; it lets them trade a portion of their salary for the privilege of leaving work early. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike spoke to the heart of the matter in her recent policy speech: "With flexibility, we will review work styles to make sure that no one must abandon their career because of life events like childbirth or childcare." Her words reveal a genuine desire to comprehend the challenges that families encounter.

As Japan contemplates adopting a 4-day work week, the discussions related to work-life balance and employee well-being are becoming even more relevant. Though reshaping working hours may not be easy, the benefits of a compressed work week are substantial. It is against this backdrop of changing workplace culture that Japan seems to be gaining recognition for its mental health, inclusiveness, and the definition of success. Thus, the focus on work-life balance, equity, and social responsibility reflects a much broader transformation in the workplace stressing a holistic approach to employee welfare.

Views expressed by the author are their own.