Japan in bid to fight scourge of overtime - but it's hard work
More companies in workaholic Japan are getting creative with ways of getting employees out of the door early
From the Rocky theme to cash handouts and early "Premium Friday" finishes, more and more companies in workaholic Japan are getting creative with ways of getting employees out of the door early. The government launched its Premium Friday campaign to encourage companies to let workers out a few hours early on the last Friday of the month so that they can spend money on shopping and leisure to help boost the economy. The initiative is among moves by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration to reduce working hours, after the suicide of an employee at advertising agency Dentsu - ruled "death by overwork" - cast a harsh spotlight on Japan Inc's deep-rooted problem of excessive overtime. "Excessive working hours have become a big problem," said Etsuko Tsugihara, CEO of public relations firm Sunny Side Up. "We were thinking of ways to improve our own working environment when the government came up with Premium Friday, and we thought it was a good idea." As an added incentive, she said, Su...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.