The Tokyo administration found a new way to address the country’s low birth rates and that is to implement a four-day workweek scheme for its staff.
Tokyo’s Governor Yuriko Koike has declared that from April onwards, metropolitan government staff will have the choice of a three-day off each week.
“We will review work styles … with flexibility, ensuring no one has to give up their career due to life events such as childbirth or child care,” she stated during her policy address at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly’s fourth regular session, NBC news reported.
This initiative aims to encourage procreation amongst Japanese couples, as the country’s fertility rate has reached an unprecedented low. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, last year’s rate fell to 1.2 children per woman during her reproductive years, despite increased governmental efforts to promote family formation. Population stability requires a minimum rate of 2.1.
Koike introduced an additional measure allowing parents of elementary school pupils to reduce their working hours in exchange for a proportional salary adjustment.
“Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to protect and enhance the lives, livelihoods and economy of our people during these challenging times for the nation,” she declared.
Japan registered only 727,277 births last year, as reported by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. This low figure may be attributed to the country’s overtime work culture, which often forces women to choose between professional advancement and motherhood. World Bank data shows Japan’s gender employment disparity exceeds other wealthy nations, with women’s participation at 55% compared to men’s 72% last year.
The proposed four-day workweek could provide government workers additional time for family responsibilities.
A 2022 global study by 4 Day Week Global, a non-profit organisation, conducted trials of reduced working weeks across various companies.
Over 90% of participating employees wished to maintain the four-day schedule. They noted improvements in physical and mental wellbeing, better work-life integration, and enhanced overall satisfaction. Stress levels, exhaustion, fatigue, and work-family tensions decreased significantly. Participants rated their experience 9.1 out of 10.
Another Asian nation has recently explored shortened working hours.
Singapore has established new regulations requiring companies to consider staff requests for flexible arrangements, including four-day weeks or variable hours.