Japan urges citizens to embrace a 4-day workweek for better work-life balance

Japan, known for its intense work culture, is promoting a 4-day workweek to tackle labor shortages and improve work-life balance. The government has supported this idea since 2021, but only about 8% of companies offer employees three or more days off per week. To encourage more companies, especially smaller ones, the government launched a campaign to promote flexible working hours, shorter workdays, and better leave policies. The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare is offering free consultations, grants, and success stories to motivate businesses to adopt this change.

ALSO READ: Brazil's Supreme Court issues 24-hour ultimatum to Elon Musk, threatens to suspend X

ALSO READ: Elon Musk's strange new rule for X employees raises concerns amid promotion delays

Challenges and early adopters

Despite these efforts, the response has been slow. Only three companies have sought government advice on implementing a 4-day workweek. Even at Panasonic, where 63,000 employees are eligible for the shorter schedule, only 150