Japan: government proposes four-day week

In its annual economic policy programme, which was unveiled on 18 June, the Japanese government formally recommended an “optional” four-day working week. The intention is not only to free up time for those who want to take up training or change professions, but also to allow people to better divide their time between leisure, family, friends and work.
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Since April, the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy of Japanese premier Yoshihide Suga’s government has been considering the most appropriate ways for Japanese employees to bolster their skill levels in the fastest-growing areas. One of the key measures being considered is reducing working hours to give the nation’s workforce the time it needs to acquire new skills. In January, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan made three days off per week for employees who want it one of its key...

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