Prefectural Governments Embrace Flexible Work Styles to Attract and Retain Personnel

Prefectural Governments in Japan Embrace Flexible Work Styles

Across Japan, prefectural governments are increasingly adopting flexible work-style systems to attract and retain personnel. This shift allows employees to take three days off a week while maintaining their regular salary.

The Asahi Shimbun conducted a survey revealing that the Tokyo metropolitan government and many other prefectural governments have either implemented or are planning to implement this system in the near future. The goal is to enhance work-life balance and secure human resources.

However, some prefectural governments remain hesitant due to concerns about potential impacts on resident services.

Under the three-days-off-a-week system, employees utilize a flextime system to schedule their work and allocate their hours to include one weekday off. They can even take three consecutive days off as long as their total weekly work hours remain unchanged.

The survey inquired about the implementation of the flex work system between late 2023 and January 2024. Ibaraki, Chiba, and Hyogo prefectures reported its introduction in 2024, while Osaka and Nara have utilized it since January 2024.

Additionally, Tokyo and numerous other prefectures plan to adopt the system. Tokyo, Iwate, Akita, Gunma, Saitama, Nagano, and Tottori will begin in April 2024, while Aichi will follow in January 2026 and Miyagi by the end of March 2026.

Meanwhile, many other prefectures expressed no concrete plans, opting to observe the nationwide implementation.

The Ibaraki prefectural government was the first to introduce the system in April 2024. Many officials work two additional hours per day to maintain their weekly work hours while still enjoying a weekday off. Currently, only 28 officials out of approximately 7,000 utilize the system, primarily for self-development, child-rearing, and alleviating work-related fatigue.

In contrast, the Chiba prefectural government reported that 155 employees within its governor's branch have used the system in the first six months since its introduction. An official noted positive feedback from employees, who have used the day off for child-rearing, family care, personal studies, and hobbies.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has encouraged Tokyo and other prefectures to establish flextime systems in conjunction with the promotion of the three-days-off-a-week system. The central government also plans to implement the system starting in fiscal year 2025 as part of its work-style reforms.