Japan to focus on flexible working in upcoming labour talks

Flexible working is expected to be a focus in Japan’s upcoming labour talks involving labour unions and management. The talks will include discussions on the implementation of systems to discern whether workers are stressed.

In a survey conducted earlier involving 10,000 union members, some 46.3% of male workers and 47.2% of female workers who were working remotely expressed anxiety about not being able to communicate effectively in their work. 

“Remote work provides a flexible way to work and improves work efficiency, but circumstances are different at each company. Remote work should be introduced or reviewed so it aligns with workplace situations,” said a union official, reports The Japan News. 

The Japanese Trade Union Confederation, known otherwise as Rengo, wants businesses to define workplace rules related to the eligibility for remote work and the respective changes in working conditions.

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It is also calling for businesses to clarify who will pay the costs associated with remote working, noting its preference that such costs be covered by companies. These include items or services like personal computers, antivirus software and internet connection.