In recent news, Japan's capital, Tokyo, through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced its plan to implement a four-day workweek for government employees as an effort to reform work style in the country. The capital is joining a growing number of municipal governments in enacting similar measures to improve working conditions amid a labour shortage. When is Japan's four-day workweek expected to start? Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said the new arrangement, begins in April 2025 and may offer employees three days off every week. What is the purpose behind Japan's four-day workweek? In its most recent endeavour to help working mothers and improve low fertility rates, Koike stressed the necessity of flexible work arrangements, particularly for women. According to the Japan Times, during a policy address at the regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly on Tuesday, she stated, "We will continue to review work styles flexibly to ensure that women do not have to sacrifice their careers due to life events such as childbirth or childbearing." According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, in 2023, the fertility rates of the nation declined to a sheer 1.2 children expected per woman during her lifetime. Ideally, the number should be at least 2.1 for a population to remain stable; as a result, the new policy is designed to encourage Japanese couples to have children. Given this, Koike also announced an additional policy allowing parents with children in elementary schools to trade off a bit of their salaries for the option to clock out early. “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 further added. In 2019, Microsoft Japan implemented a four-day workweek; what are the benefits? Back in 2019, Microsoft experimented with a four-day workweek at its Japan offices in August under a new initiative known as the Work-Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019, offering its whole 2,300-person staff five Fridays off in a row without reducing salary. As per the report, despite a reduction in workdays, the company reported a 40% boost in productivity, while they were also able to conserve resources, like electricity consumption, which dropped by 23%. Consequently, Microsoft Japan has continued to offer a four-day week. "A shorter workweek can boost mental health and productivity while also, improving physical health by facilitating consistent sleep and exercise routines," Dr Aniket Mule, a consultant in internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, shared the potential health benefits of such a reform with the Indian Express. Tokyo's four-day workweek, despite challenges, is gaining global attention as companies balance productivity with employee well-being, potentially serving as a model for other cities.
