The “Work-Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019” saw full-time employees take off five consecutive Fridays in August with pay, in addition to shortening meetings to a maximum of 30 minutes and inspiring online chats over face-to-face ones. Among workers responding to a survey about the program, 92% said they were happy with the four-day week, the software maker’s Japan affiliate said in a report on its website on Oct. 31.
Japan has been striving to bring down some of the world’s longest working hours because it confronts a labor shortage and rapidly aging population. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s move to make workplaces more flexible and reduce overtime has drawn mixed reviews.
The summer trial also cut costs at Microsoft Japan, with 23% less electricity consumed and 59% fewer pages printed contrary to August 2018, as outlined by the report. Some Microsoft Japan managers still did not realize the changes in working styles and some employees expressed concern that shorter work weeks would bother clients.
Microsoft Japan plans to hold another work-life challenge in winter. Employees will not get special paid days off, but will be motivated to take time off on their own initiative “in a more flexible and smarter way.”
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CO 896 
