Recently in Japan, the word “work style reform,” which requires companies to comply with the rights of workers such as service overtime and paid vacation time, has been increasingly appearing in the news. In reality, however, most of the government-sponsored work style reforms are only implemented by large companies, and it is difficult for small and medium-sized companies, which account for 90% of the workforce in Japan, to comply with such reforms.
Although the working environment in Japan is gradually becoming clearer, there are still some areas where it is difficult to take childcare leave and paid leave, and it will take a few more days to fully adjust to the policies set forth by the government.

 

Working Environment in Japan and Australia

1. working hours and work-life balance

Japan:
Long working hours are common, and the term “overwork death” is internationally known.
Although there is a strong culture in which overtime work is regarded as a virtue, in recent years, reforms in work styles have promoted the reduction of overtime work and more flexible work styles.
The paid leave utilization rate is low (approximately 60% in 2022).

Australia:
A culture that emphasizes work-life balance is deeply rooted in the country.
Working hours are strictly regulated by law, with a standard work week of 38 hours.
It is commonplace to take long vacations (4 weeks of paid leave is common).

2. work culture and work environment

Japan:
Strong vertical culture of respect for superiors and seniors.
There is a culture of “nemawari,” or “laying the groundwork,” where meetings and decision-making take time.
Emphasis is placed on teamwork and overall harmony rather than on the individual.
Australia:
Flat organizational structures are common, and individual opinions are respected rather than hierarchical relationships.
Self-assertiveness and independence are valued, and efficiency-oriented work styles are common.
Diversity in the workplace is emphasized, and people from various backgrounds are active.

3. salary and benefits

Japan:
Lifetime employment and a seniority-based salary system persist (but are gradually being broken down).
While bonuses and retirement benefits are well established, base salaries are lower than in other countries.
Housing subsidies and transportation are common as benefits.

Australia:
Strong performance-based system, with pay commensurate with ability and performance.
Minimum wage is high, $24.1 per hour as of 2024.
Superannuation” is a retirement plan in which the employer contributes a percentage of salary (usually 11.5%).

4. leave system and flexible work styles

Japan:
The rate of paid leave tends to be low.
Although there are systems for parental leave and nursing care leave, few men actually take them.
The rate of telework is increasing, but many companies have a strong face-to-face culture.

Australia:
The use of paid leave is taken for granted, and work styles that emphasize work-life balance are the norm.
Parental leave and partnership leave (leave for the birth of a spouse) are also well established.
Telework and flextime systems are widely used, enabling flexible work styles to suit workers’ lifestyles.

5. social values

Japan:
Strong values with work as the center of life.
Loyalty to the company is high, and changing jobs is not yet common except in some industries.
A culture of “reading the air” that emphasizes harmony with one’s surroundings also influences the workplace.

Australia:
Mainstream values are that work is a part of life.
Changing jobs is common, and experiencing multiple workplaces to advance one’s career is encouraged.
There is a culture of clearly expressing one’s opinions and wishes.

In Japan, the traditional work culture is changing, but some aspects of the traditional way of working remain strong. In Australia, on the other hand, workers’ rights are well protected by law, and a more flexible and efficient work style is practiced. Both ways of working have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is not a matter of saying that one is better than the other, but rather that the future challenge is to adapt the way of working to each culture and background.