Japan Promotes Four-Day Workweek Amid Labor Shortage

Japan is advocating for a four-day workweek to combat a labor shortage and the cultural phenomenon of 'karoshi,' or death from overwork, which claims at least 54 lives annually. The government first backed the idea in 2021, yet only 8% of companies have adopted it, with just 150 of Panasonic's 63,000 eligible employees opting into the program. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has launched a 'work style reform' initiative that offers grants and consulting to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to participate. The ministry aims to foster a more diverse working culture that allows individuals to choose their schedules, thereby enhancing workers' outlook on life and contributing to economic growth. However, the response from businesses has been lukewarm, with only three companies seeking guidance on the initiative so far. Critics highlight that many workers still face intense pressure to maintain productivity, potentially undermining the intended benefits of reduced hours.