Considering Pilot Projects in Japan and Spain
Remote Work Expansion After COVID-19
Importance of 'Flexible Work' Highlighted
Concerns Over Side Effects of Wage Cuts
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Some overseas countries, including Japan and Spain, are considering the introduction of a '4-day workweek.' Japan is reviewing a system that allows workers to rest three days a week and work only four days, while Spain is reportedly promoting a pilot project.
According to 'NHK' on the 5th (local time), the Japanese government is preparing to promote a so-called 'selective 4-day workweek' system that allows employees who wish to do so to rest three days a week and work four days, in order to create diverse working environments.
This system is known to have been proposed in January by the '100 Million Total Activation Promotion Headquarters' within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan.
The background for discussing the introduction of a 4-day workweek in Japan lies in the spread of remote and telecommuting work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As flexible work from home became possible instead of commuting to the office, the importance of 'flexible labor' began to emerge, and the Japanese government recognized this and started considering the full-scale introduction of the 4-day workweek.
However, there are concerns that if the 4-day workweek spreads, side effects such as a 10-20% reduction in salary due to fewer working days may occur. Therefore, the Japanese government is expected to analyze the situation of private companies that have piloted the system before making a full-scale decision.
In May of last year, I?igo Errej?n, founder of M?s Pa?s, speaking at the Spanish Congress of Deputies. This party proposed a pilot project for a four-day workweek to the government, which the government accepted. / Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, Japan is not the only country considering the 4-day workweek. Earlier, reports emerged that Spain was also considering a pilot project for the world's first 4-day workweek.
According to the British media 'The Guardian' on the 15th of last month, a Spanish Ministry of Industry official told the media that government discussions regarding the 4-day workweek pilot project are in the early stages.
The discussion on the 4-day workweek in Spain was proposed by the minor progressive party 'Mas Pais,' which suggested introducing the 4-day workweek for willing companies over the next three years. The support plan also includes the government fully compensating companies for losses due to reduced working hours in the first year, 50% compensation in the second year, and 33% in the third year.
If the Spanish government adopts the Mas Pais party's project proposal, the total project cost is estimated to reach 50 million euros (approximately 66.1 billion KRW).
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