In a bold move that could revolutionise the work-life balance for many, the Tokyo government has announced plans to implement a four-day work week for its employees. This initiative, spearheaded by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, is aimed at supporting young families and addressing the nation’s alarmingly low fertility rates.
Starting in April 2025, Tokyo’s metropolitan government workers will have the option to enjoy a three-day weekend, every week. This policy isn’t just about giving employees an extra day off; it’s a strategic effort to reshape the work culture in Japan, which is notorious for long hours and a high-pressure environment that often forces individuals to choose between career advancement and family life.
Governor Koike, in her policy speech at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly’s fourth regular session, emphasised the need for flexibility in the workplace. ‘We will review work styles… with flexibility, ensuring no one has to give up their career due to life events such as childbirth or childcare,’ she stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to creating a more family-friendly work environment.
The urgency of this policy change is underscored by Japan’s fertility rate, which has plummeted to a record low of 1.2 children per woman over her lifetime. This is far below the 2.1 threshold needed to maintain a stable population. Despite previous government efforts to encourage young couples to start families, the birth rate continues to decline, with only 727,277 births recorded last year.
The Tokyo government isn’t stopping at the four-day work week. Another policy allows parents with children in primary schools to leave work early, trading a portion of their salary for precious time with their children. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that the demands of modern work are often at odds with the needs of families.
The gender gap in Japan’s workforce participation rates is also a concern, with 55 per cent for women and 72 per cent for men, according to the World Bank. This disparity is partly due to the country’s overtime culture, which disproportionately affects women who are often expected to shoulder the majority of childcare responsibilities.
However, the four-day work week isn’t just a theoretical concept. It has been tested and proven successful in various global trials coordinated by 4 Day Week Global, a nonprofit organisation. Companies that participated in a four-day work week pilot program reported overwhelmingly positive results. More than 90 per cent of employees wanted to continue with the new schedule, citing improvements in physical and mental health, work-life balance, and overall life satisfaction. Stress, burnout, fatigue, and work-family conflict all decreased, with participants rating their experience an impressive 9.1 out of 10.
Singapore, another Asian country, has also experimented with a shortened work week, introducing guidelines that require firms to consider employee requests for flexible working arrangements.
The Tokyo government’s initiative could be a game-changer for its employees, potentially setting a precedent for other cities and countries to follow. By prioritising the well-being of workers and their families, Tokyo is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable and fulfilling future.
Do you think a four-day work week could help with balancing professional and personal responsibilities? How would you feel about such a change in your workplace? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – let’s explore ways we can all improve work-life balance together!
Also read: Older workers often overlooked and underestimated.
