This article analyzes changes in Japanese workers' values from the results of the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training's 8th Working Life Survey.
Main Points
1. Evaluation of Japanese-style Employment Practices
- Support for lifetime employment: 82.1% (still high but down 5.8 percentage points from last time)
- Support for seniority wages: 65.3% (down to 45% among young people)
- Support for enterprise unions: 58.2% (reflecting declining organization rate)
- Unified hiring of new graduates: 73% support but increasing acceptance of year-round hiring
2. Changes in Career Development Consciousness
- Willingness to work at one company: 45.2% (historical low, only 25% among those in their 20s)
- Positive view of job change: 54.8% (first time exceeding half)
- Emphasis on skills: 85% emphasize improving expertise
- Desire for side jobs: 35.6% (48% among those in their 30s)
3. Ideal and Reality of Work Style
- Emphasis on work-life balance: 78.5% (historical high)
- Desire for remote work: 65.3% (only 25% implemented, gap exists)
- Shorter working hours: 45% want 35 hours per week
- Paid leave: 90% desired, 55% actual
4. Equality Consciousness and Gap Recognition
- Support for equality of results: 38.2% (equality of opportunity 61.8%)
- Income gap expansion: 85% recognize, 75% need correction
- Non-regular gap: 68% feel it's unfair
- Gender gap: 82% need improvement (even 73% of men)
5. Expectations for Social Systems
- Enhancement of social security: 78% accept tax increases (conditionally)
- Educational opportunities: 85% support free education, demand scholarship reform
- Minimum wage: 65% support 1,500 yen or more
- Basic income: 45% awareness, 25% support
The article concludes that Japanese workers' consciousness is indeed changing, requiring further promotion of reforms to traditional employment systems and work styles.