Most windows of the health ministry building, left, are still lit at night as officials toil to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The government's report said that many civil servants are still burning the midnight oil late into the early morning hours during Diet sessions.
The average time when officials finished drafting a response to a question from a lawmaker was 1:42 a.m. on the deadline day, according to a report published by the Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs.
The bureau examined officials' work hours from May 15 to June 21 when the Diet was in session. Ministers are tasked with writing well-prepared scripts for Cabinet ministers to read out in response to questions from members of Diet committees. The questions are received by committee members in advance.
The average time when officials began preparing the draft was 6:26 p.m. the day before the deadline, about 88 minutes earlier than the time in last year's study.
The amendment is partly because of efforts made by lawmakers to submit questions earlier so officials can finish their answers earlier.
Of 1,227 questions, 39 were sent, 3.2 percent, a noticeable decrease from 56, or 6.5 percent, of the last time.
At the same time, the average time spent on preparing the script was seven hours and 16 minutes, slightly longer than the last study.
Since June, the process has beenstreamlined, including earlier submission and online communication.
But such measures are not enough to make a fundamental difference in addressing the notoriously long working hours at Japan's government offices.
Ministers are required to write perfect speeches and deliver them along with data.
16 Comments
Pedalka
Burning the midnight oil is not a sustainable or healthy way to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Василий
The long working hours suggest a lack of sufficient staffing in the health ministry.
Pedalka
The fact that officials are working late into the night shows a lack of efficiency and time management within the government.
Василий
The long working hours highlight the urgency and seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's commitment to effectively addressing it.
Pedalka
The long hours may prevent officials from achieving a work-life balance, potentially impacting their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Mariposa
Streamlining the entire process, including earlier submission and online communication, demonstrates a commitment to improving workflow and embracing technological advancements.
Loubianka
The decrease in the number of questions submitted after 6 p.m. indicates greater planning and preparedness from lawmakers, resulting in a more streamlined process for officials.
Katchuka
The late-night work reflects the reality of the challenging circumstances posed by a global health crisis and the need for government officials to work diligently to protect public health.
Loubianka
The efforts made by lawmakers to submit questions earlier reflect a collaborative approach and desire to facilitate smoother processes within the government.
Habibi
The completion time of the officials' responses is earlier compared to the previous year, indicating improvements in efficiency and productivity.
ZmeeLove
The fact that officials are required to write perfect speeches and deliver them with data suggests a dedication to accuracy and comprehensive information-sharing.
Coccinella
The limited decrease in the number of questions submitted after 6 p.m. suggests that there is still room for improvement in terms of earlier submission and planning.
Muchacho
The reliance on officials to draft prepared scripts for ministers suggests a lack of transparency and the potential for scripted responses rather than genuine engagement with lawmakers.
ZmeeLove
The fact that civil servants are working late into the night during Diet sessions shows a proactive approach to addressing the concerns and questions of lawmakers, ensuring a well-informed government.
Comandante
The government should prioritize the health and well-being of its employees instead of encouraging long working hours.
Mariposa
The dedication shown by officials who work late into the night demonstrates their commitment to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and serving the public.