Tokyo to propose four-day work week for govt workers to tackle birth rate crisis

Tokyo is set to introduce a four-day work week for government employees as part of broader efforts to combat Japan’s declining birth rate and support work-life balance.

Tokyo's Governor, Yuriko Koike, announced the plan on Thursday, emphasising that the change would help civil servants maintain their monthly hour requirements while improving quality of life.

The initiative aims to provide more flexible working hours, particularly for parents of young children, as the city works to create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

"Lagging behind in women’s empowerment is Japan’s longstanding issue, and overcoming the status quo is key for our bright future," Koike said, adding, “We will start with thorough support for work-life balance by introducing a more flexible working hour system, such as three holidays per week.”

Under the proposal, employees of the Tokyo Metropolitan government will have the option to adopt a shorter, four-day week beginning in April 2024.

The initiative is designed to maintain productivity while offering civil servants greater flexibility, with a draft proposal for broader flexible working hours to be presented to the city assembly in 2025.

“We’ll keep reviewing our work styles flexibly so that nobody has to give up their careers due to life events such as childbirth and child care,” Koike added.

The move is part of the city’s broader response to Japan’s demographic crisis, with an ageing population and low birth rates creating serious labour shortages.

Koike’s administration is focused on supporting families and improving social welfare benefits as part of a long-term strategy to address the country’s demographic challenges.

The Japanese government has been exploring measures to support working parents and encourage a more diverse workforce. Koike also announced a project called "Women in Action," which includes introducing a partial vacation system for parents of children in grades 1-3 of elementary school.

In a parallel move, Miyagi Prefecture has also introduced a four-day work week for employees with childcare or caregiving responsibilities. The policy, which has been in place since October 2023, allows for a three-day weekend, subject to supervisor approval.

Other regions, including Ibaraki and Chiba, are expected to adopt similar initiatives in the coming years.

Koike’s proposal follows a growing trend in Japan to adopt more flexible working arrangements, which are viewed as crucial in tackling the country's overwork culture. Japan has one of the highest rates of work-related deaths, with at least 54 reported annually due to overwork.

The concept of a shorter work week has been under discussion in Japan since 2021, with proponents hoping that such changes will help improve quality of life, support families, and retain workers in an increasingly tight labour market.