Japan is known for being a country where people work too much, some even work 12 to 15 hours a day. Of course, this is not such a large number but it is quite visible to the point of attracting people’s attention. However, Japan’s working hours are like those of any other country, varying between 8 and 9 hours a day. So why does 1 in 5 Japanese full-time employees tend to work overtime? What leads 22% of Japanese people to work more than 50 hours a week?
If we look at it this way, 22% of the population is not an alarming number for people to say “Japanese work too much,” but it is a very large number. There are 27 million Japanese who do more than 10 hours of overtime per week. Japan allows only 45 hours of overtime per month, but about 1 million people have signed a term that allows them to work more than that. Why does this happen?
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25% Additional Pay
The Japanese are paid by the hour, after 8 hours of work the additional hours worked receive a 25% increase. This is the main reason most people do overtime. Some exaggerate and even forgo their vacations to work and earn more. If a person works on days they are not contracted to work, such as days off or holidays, they receive about 35% more than on other days. If a person works at night (22+), they receive about 25% more.
In jobs that do not allow overtime, some people end up finding another part-time job to increase their earnings. Greed proves to be a key factor for the Japanese to work too much, as in some cases a person’s salary is not satisfactory for them, requiring them to work more. Some even work 24 hours non-stop in places like hospitals, sometimes for the percentage or to help those in need.
Cultural Issues
After World War II, Japan went through various economic problems. The government’s encouragement led people to work in an unparalleled way that helped Japan rise again and become an economic power. These events ended up leaving a tradition and cultural incentive for people to dedicate themselves to work as the most important thing.
Another thing is the fact that the Japanese are responsible for most of the things they do. Responsibility and discipline are something that has accompanied the Japanese for millennia since the times of the samurai. Another example we can take from the samurai is their dedication to things like bushido and their master.
Working Overtime Without Pay
Some still end up working after hours even when not necessary. Most jobs that require overtime are located in factories, so in many offices some people end up wanting to work more than they should even without receiving the additional 25% or even the hourly rate. Why do they do this? Some simply enjoy it, others do it to finish a job quickly or with the intention of pleasing the boss. Some even end up working at home after hours.
I don’t see a problem in working 2 extra hours a day to earn about 3000 yen (80R$). However, there are those who go beyond the limit, working about 12 to 15 hours every day, and then after work go out to drink and live in this endless circle without joy. This is one of the main reasons Japan is facing a birth crisis and has a high suicide rate.
Curiosities and Facts
- About 27 million Japanese work 10 or more hours of overtime per week;
- The law allows only 15 hours of overtime per week, which averages to 3 per day;
- Minors under 18 are not allowed to work overtime;
- There are about 16 holidays for workers per year;
- Most foreigners work overtime out of necessity or obligation;
Research shows that almost half of people in Brazil work 10 hours a day. In other words, before imagining that the Japanese work too much, analyze the facts. At least the Japanese receive for the overtime they do. To conclude, I will leave some similar articles that may clarify the subject further. We appreciate your reading, sharing, and comments.
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