Public Sector Workers in Tokyo are Only Required to Work Four Days a Week

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has stated that public sector employees will have a four-day work week beginning in April 2025. This effort seeks to address Japan's dropping fertility rate and increase assistance for working mothers.

Details about the new policy

This arrangement allows government employees to take three days off per week. Another measure will allow parents with young children to leave work early in exchange for a lower income.

Yuriko Koike, the governor of Tokyo, commented: "We will review work styles with flexibility, ensuring no one has to give up their career due to life events such as childbirth or childcare."

Japan's declining fertility rate

As birth rates have been steadily falling, Japan has been struggling with a low fertility rate. The fertility rate dropped to a record low of 1.2 in 2023, much below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to stabilize the population. Just 727,277 births were reported by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in 2023.

Experts say that one of the main reasons for Japan's demographic challenges is its strong work ethic. Exorbitant living costs, extended work hours, and "karoshi", death from excessive labor—have deterred young people from starting families.

Additionally, just 55% of women are employed, compared to 72% of men, indicating a gender gap in workforce participation. The government has encouraged paternity leave and more flexible work arrangements in an effort to overcome these disparities.

Tokyo's decision mirrors a broader global trend toward shorter workweeks. Several studies, like the Microsoft Japan Experiment in 2019, have found that reduced hours can boost worker productivity and well-being. However, the concept of a four-day workweek remains unique in Japan, where employee loyalty is frequently tied to the number of hours worked.

Other Asian cities are also implementing policies to help families. Businesses in Singapore must now consider their employees' requests for flexible work arrangements, such as four-day workweeks.