Japan Plans to Introduce a Four-Day Workweek and Paternity Leave to Boost Birth Rates
World
Japan is planning to implement a four-day workweek for government employees. This is the latest measure aimed at supporting working parents and increasing the country's low birth rate.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated in her political speech on Wednesday:
“We will review work styles to ensure flexibility so that no one has to leave their job due to life events such as childbirth or childcare. Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to preserve and improve the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people.”
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, only 727,277 births were registered last year, and the fertility rate — the average number of children a woman has during her lifetime — dropped to 1.2. A rate of 2.1 is required to maintain a stable population.
The Japanese government is adopting "now or never" policies to address the demographic crisis. These include ensuring men have access to paternity leave and introducing local initiatives to improve working conditions.
The transition to a four-day workweek has been gaining significant interest in Western countries. Some companies are testing reduced work hours to attract talent and improve work-life balance. Research shows that this approach enhances employee well-being and increases productivity.
Not only Japan but also Singapore introduced new guidelines earlier this year, requiring companies to consider employees’ requests for flexible work arrangements. These may include a four-day workweek or flexible working hours.
“We will review work styles to ensure flexibility so that no one has to leave their job due to life events such as childbirth or childcare. Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to preserve and improve the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people.”
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, only 727,277 births were registered last year, and the fertility rate — the average number of children a woman has during her lifetime — dropped to 1.2. A rate of 2.1 is required to maintain a stable population.
The Japanese government is adopting "now or never" policies to address the demographic crisis. These include ensuring men have access to paternity leave and introducing local initiatives to improve working conditions.
The transition to a four-day workweek has been gaining significant interest in Western countries. Some companies are testing reduced work hours to attract talent and improve work-life balance. Research shows that this approach enhances employee well-being and increases productivity.
Not only Japan but also Singapore introduced new guidelines earlier this year, requiring companies to consider employees’ requests for flexible work arrangements. These may include a four-day workweek or flexible working hours.
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