Tokyo to implement four-day workweek to tackle declining fertility rates

Under the policy, employees will have the option to take three days off per week. Additionally, parents of elementary school children will be allowed to reduce their working hours in exchange for a slight salary reduction.

Japan’s fertility rate dropped to just 1.2 children per woman last year, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain population stability, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Despite various government initiatives to encourage young couples to have children, the birth rate continues to decline, with only 727,277 births recorded nationwide last year.

Governor Koike emphasised the importance of this policy shift: “Now is the time for Tokyo to take the lead in protecting and improving the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people during these challenging times for the nation”,  as reported by NBC News

Experts suggest that Japan’s demanding work culture, characterised by long hours, may discourage women from pursuing both careers and families. World Bank data from last year showed a significant gender gap in workforce participation, with rates of 55% for women and 72% for men.

The four-day workweek has been trialed in other countries with notable success. A 2022 global pilot programme organised by the nonprofit 4 Day Week Global involved several companies testing shorter workweeks.

Over 90% of participants expressed a desire to continue the new schedule, reporting improved mental and physical health, better work-life balance, and increased satisfaction with life overall. Stress, burnout, and work-family conflicts were significantly reduced, and participants rated their experience an impressive 9.1 out of 10.

Singapore also made strides in flexible working arrangements this year, introducing guidelines requiring businesses to consider requests for alternative schedules, including shortened workweeks or staggered hours.

The Tokyo initiative is expected to provide government employees with more time to focus on family life, potentially serving as a model for other regions in Japan to follow.

(with inputs from NBC News)