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https://apnews.com/article/japan-4day-work-week-campaign-f78a95a89d99e7b323f7554721088d66>
"TOKYO (AP) — Japan, a nation so hardworking its language has a term for
literally working oneself to death, is trying to address a worrisome labor
shortage by coaxing more people and companies to adopt four-day workweeks.
The Japanese government first expressed support for a shorter working week in
2021, after lawmakers endorsed the idea. The concept has been slow to catch on,
however; about 8% of companies in Japan allow employees to take three or more
days off per week, while 7% give their workers the legally mandated one day
off, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Hoping to produce more takers, especially among small and medium-sized
businesses, the government launched a “work style reform” campaign that
promotes shorter hours and other flexible arrangements along with overtime
limits and paid annual leave. The labor ministry recently started offering free
consulting, grants and a growing library of success stories as further
motivation.
“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 a ministry website about the “hatarakikata
kaikaku” campaign, which translates to “innovating how we work.”
The department overseeing the new support services for businesses says only
three companies have come forward so far to request advice on making changes,
relevant regulations and available subsidies, illustrating the challenges the
initiative faces."
Via Frederick Wilson II.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
