The Tokyo government will begin implementing a four-day workweek for public sector employees starting in April 2025, as reported by CNN.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike announced this new initiative during a political address. According to her, the changes aim to prevent parents from having to give up their careers due to childcare responsibilities.
“Now is the time for Tokyo to take the initiative to protect and improve the lives, well-being, and economy of our citizens during these challenging times for the country,” she added.
Additionally, parents of children in elementary school’s lower grades will have the option of a reduced workday with a corresponding decrease in salary.
In June of this year, Japan's birth rate reached another record low, with the fertility rate dropping to 1.2 children per woman. The minimum level required to maintain the current population is 2.1 children.
According to sociological research, one of the primary reasons for the low birth rate is the strict work culture and the rising cost of living. Long working hours and the pressure of choosing between career and family make raising children particularly challenging.
Four-Day Workweek Around the World
Recently, a reduced workweek with maintained salaries in Iceland showed success. Employees reported greater satisfaction with their work schedules and a decrease in personal life stress.
A similar experiment concluded in Germany at the end of October, where 73% of companies involved in the program transitioned to a four-day workweek. Last year, after successful testing, 56 British companies also decided to adopt the shortened schedule.
Moreover, in the UK, a thousand employees were moved to a four-day workweek. As part of the experiment, participants will work one day less without a reduction in pay.
Spot has presented opinions from business representatives regarding the potential introduction of a four-day workweek in Uzbekistan.
Previously, Spot reported that the Senate approved the ratification of the ILO convention on paid leave.