Japan Promotes Four-Day Workweeks to Combat Labor Shortage

The Japanese government is promoting a four-day workweek to address a severe labor shortage and improve work-life balance in a country known for its intense work culture. The 'hatarakikata kaikaku' or 'work style reform' campaign, launched in 2021, encourages shorter hours, flexible work arrangements, and limits on overtime, offering free consulting and financial incentives to businesses. Despite these efforts, only about 8% of companies allow three or more days off per week, and the uptake has been minimal, with only three companies seeking government advice and a small fraction of eligible employees at Panasonic taking advantage of the four-day week. The initiative faces cultural resistance, as societal norms and the fear of being seen as neglectful of work persist. Advocates argue that a four-day week can enhance mental health and support caregiving, while critics worry that workloads may remain unchanged for reduced pay.