Tokyo government gives workers four-day work week to boost fertility, family time

To assist working mothers and boost the historically low birth rate, Tokyo, the capital of Japan, plans to introduce a four-day work week for government employees. This new policy is the latest measure taken by the Tokyo government to address its demographic challenges.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government stated that this new arrangement, which will begin in April, could allow employees to have three days off per week. In addition, the government announced another policy allowing parents with children in the first to third grades of elementary school to exchange a reduction in pay for the right to leave work early. These measures aim to provide greater flexibility for employees with childcare needs.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated in a policy address on Wednesday, "We will review work styles in a flexible manner, ensuring that no one gives up their career due to life events such as childbirth or childcare." She also added, "Now is the time for Tokyo to proactively protect and improve the lives, livelihoods, and economy of our people during a time of national challenges."

Japan's birth rate has been declining for years, hitting a record low this past June. Despite increased government efforts to encourage young people to marry and start families, only 727,277 newborns were recorded last year, and the fertility rate (the number of children a woman has in her lifetime) fell to a new low of 1.2. A fertility rate of 2.1 is needed to maintain a stable population.

The Japanese government has been pushing a series of "now or never" policies to reverse the demographic crisis, including ensuring paternity leave for men. Other local governments have also introduced measures to improve working conditions. Many sociologists attribute the declining birth rate to Japan's demanding work culture and rising cost of living. Long working hours have been a problem for Japanese companies, with employees often suffering health hazards and in extreme cases, even "karoshi" (death from overwork).

As in many other countries, women often face pressure to choose between career and family, and Japan's unique culture of overtime makes pregnancy and raising children particularly daunting. In fact, according to World Bank data, the gender gap in labor force participation in Japan last year was 55% for women and 72% for men, which is higher than in other high-income countries.

The move to a four-day work week has sparked growing interest in the West, with some companies exploring compressed work hours as a way to attract talent seeking a better work-life balance. Some studies have shown that this can improve employee well-being and productivity. However, for Japanese companies, the idea is still considered radical, as they often equate working hours with loyalty to the company.

Tokyo is not the only place in Asia implementing more family-friendly policies. Earlier this year, Singapore introduced new guidelines requiring all companies to consider employees' requests for flexible work arrangements, which could include a four-day work week or flexible hours.