Japan Encourages 4-Day Workweek to Combat Labor Shortage

Japan’s government is pushing for a four-day workweek as a solution to the country’s growing labor shortage. With a projected shortfall of 1 million workers by 2040, Japan is grappling with a shrinking workforce and a long-standing culture of overwork. The government’s ‘work style reform’ campaign encourages businesses to adopt shorter workweeks, limit overtime, and provide paid leave. While the four-day workweek initiative, inspired by a similar trial in England, has seen limited adoption thus far, the government continues to offer incentives and support to companies that embrace this new model.