Leaders in Japan are hoping to encourage managers to provide their employees with more flexibility in their schedules, specifically endorsing the adoption of a four day work week.
These recommendations were part of the Japanese government’s annual economy policy guidelines, which were finalized by the cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga last week.
Other suggestions include more flexible work hours and remote working arrangements that have been found to benefit the workforce.
The campaign cited that a four day work week would help those with children or serving as caretakers for their family members achieve a healthier work-life balance.
While having an extra day off could potentially push people to take on another job, the government’s intentions are for people to use this time to spend money and boost the economy.
“During the pandemic, companies have shifted to new ways of operating and they are seeing a gradual increase in productivity,” said Martin Schulz, chief policy economist for Fujitsu Ltd.’s Global Market Intelligence Unit. “Companies are having their employees work from home or remotely, at satellite offices or at their customers’ locations, which can be far more convenient and productive for many.”
