According to Xinhua, 16 regions in Japan have either implemented or plan to introduce a flexible four-day workweek in government departments, allowing employees to work four days a week and take the remaining three days off. This initiative aims to attract and retain talent amid intense competition.
A survey by Asahi Shimbun revealed that among Japan's 47 prefectures, 16 have begun or plan to adopt this system. The arrangement allows for a reduction in the number of days worked each week while maintaining the total hours and salary, redistributing hours from one workday to others.
Regions like Ibaraki, Chiba, Hyogo, Osaka, and Nara have already started this system, while Tokyo, Iwate, Akita, and Gunma plan to implement it in April. Miyagi and Aichi are set to adopt it within the next two years. Additionally, national civil servants will start this system in the 2025 fiscal year.
Under the Tokyo government plan, this system will apply to government employees. Currently, employees work five days and have two days off, but under the new system, they can work four days a week while ensuring they complete 155 hours over four weeks.
Last March, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications urged local governments to consider flexible work arrangements to promote the four-day workweek, allowing employees to manage their work according to personal needs.
However, this initiative has raised some concerns, with worries that increased days off for government employees could lead to staff shortages, potentially impacting services and operations.
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