Panasonic is reportedly introducing an optional four-day work week for employees, allowing its workers to spend less time working and more time actually enjoying being alive. It’s one more small push toward a better world where shorter working weeks are the norm.
Announced during an investor briefing on Friday, Panasonic will offer its workers a third day off per week, with Panasonic CEO Kusumi Yuki noting they may opt to further their studies, volunteer, or even work a side job. Last year, Japan’s annual economic policy guidelines revealed the country would
“We must support the wellbeing of our employees,” said Kusumi, as reported by
Hoping to facilitate better work-life balance in its workforce, the electronics manufacturer is also increasing flexibility by allowing more employees to work from home, and giving them the freedom to
“The well-being of our employees is a priority and it is important that we communicate and promote an understanding of this purpose and the significance of this system from the management team to organization managers and all employees,” Panasonic spokesperson Airi Minobe told Mashable. “The system can only be properly introduced after thorough discussions in the workplace. We are prepared to take time for all necessary dialogue to take place and don’t foresee its implementation until April 2023 at the earliest.”
Iceland ran the world’s largest trial of a shorter work week. The results will (not) shock you.
The four-day work week is an ephemeral dream that has long been dangled before workers like an oasis in a desert. In 2021, Iceland reported that the
Reduced work days have been
Still, with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic prompting increasing worker dissatisfaction, more employers may be inspired to rethink their stance in light of the growing
UPDATE: Jan. 11, 2022, 4:40 p.m. This article has been updated with comment from Panasonic.