The Lens: Young Japanese workers are fighting for more work-life balance

Work-life balance has become an increasingly important topic, particularly among white-collar workers. People are becoming more aware of how mental health affects work efficiency, which is a commendable trend.

A key example of this shift is the quiet revolution among young Japanese workers. Their annual working hours have dropped by 11.6 per cent from 2000 to 2022.

For instance, men in their twenties worked an average of 46.4 hours per week in 2000, but this figure fell to 38.1 hours in 2022. Meanwhile, their wages have increased by 25 per cent.

This reduction in average working hours is mainly because of a shortage of qualified workers. If young workers feel overworked and underpaid at their current job, they can easily find another one.

Additionally, the educational system is improving, with many workers holding at least a university degree. They not only possess better skill sets and access to more opportunities but also recognise their freedom of choice and the importance of prioritising health over blindly pursuing wealth.

As a result, young workers are increasingly refusing to accept harsh working conditions and are defending their human rights, which is essential for sustainable development.

The trend reminds young people to care about their own needs and live a more vibrant life. It empowers them with a sense of control over their actions.

In response to the shortage of young workers, some companies have started to recruit university students before they graduate. However, even if they manage to secure manpower, these benefits are often short-lived, as employees may leave if they feel dissatisfied.

This situation indicates that companies must adopt new strategies and focus more on improving working conditions to retain talent.

Read up on the issue in last week’s The Lens

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has launched his flagship US$4.4 billion (HK$34.3 billion) free-meal programme to combat child malnutrition and boost economic growth.

The programme’s long-term vision encompasses slashing the number of people with stunted growth and bolstering the workforce of Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

The government has earmarked HK$34.3 billion for the programme’s initial roll-out.

However, the price tag will climb to more than US$24 billion (nearly HK$187 billion) annually if it is to meet its target of feeding 82.9 million recipients by 2029.

The government had initially set a budget of around US$1 (HK$7.8) per meal but trimmed it due to financial constraints.

Ataya, a fifth-grader from Boyolali Regency in Central Java, said that the free lunch was “very delicious” and would help him save money, as per a statement from Prabowo’s communication team. Yet concerns over budget limitations loom large. Nutrition experts caution that the low cost-per-meal could limit the programme’s effectiveness.

Annis Catur Adi, a nutritionist from the University of Airlangga in East Java, said malnutrition remained a “serious issue” in Indonesia. Annis said it would be “more strategic” for the government to prioritise improving food quality for toddlers, as stunting has often already occurred by the time a child is in school.

Nailul Huda, an economist at the Jakarta-based Centre of Economic and Law Studies (Celios) policy think tank, said the free meal programme could stimulate economic growth by creating demand in the food sector.

Yet the initiative also runs the risk of pushing Indonesia’s deficit beyond the legally mandated ceiling of 3 per cent of gross domestic product.

Staff writers

Research and respond

• What are the advantages and potential risks of this programme? Do you think the advantages outweigh the risks?

• What tactics could the government employ to mitigate the risks of this programme?