Surveys on Work-life balance and productivity (in Japanese)

Ryo Yamada and Miyuki Yoshida

Economic Analysis, 2009, vol. 182, 131-155

Abstract: In recent years, developed countries are increasing their focus on policies that improve the balance between work and life. Japan established a "work-life balance" charter at the end of 2007; the Japanese government, workers, and employers have agreed to collaborate in the belief that creating a society that balances work and life for all generations is desirable. Behind the trend is the fact that long working hours are a big reason for Japan's falling birthrate, which has threatened the sustainability of economic society. The government will actively pursue a better work-life balance while avoiding any interruption in the growth of companies. This paper investigates how the policy of improving Japan's work-life balance will affect the productivity of companies. First, we found that companies that implement policies toward improving the work-life balance tend to have better productivity and better employee retention rates (especially for women who have given birth), and tend to foster highly motivated individuals. Second, boosting productivity means that executive orders must be carried out to review the split of work and the way of work flexibly with improving the balance between work and life.

Date: 2009
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