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Over 45% of Japan's workforce engage in 'quiet quitting' as a pushback against overwork culture

Majority of identified 'quiet quitters' expressed contentment with meeting minimal work requirements and plan to persist in this approach.

Over 45% of Japan's workforce engage in 'quiet quitting' as a pushback against overwork culture

Going Ahead, Not All In: The Quiet Quitting Phenomenon in Japan

A study by the Japanese job-matching firm, Mynavi, has spotlighted a sizable shift in the nation's professional landscape. In this study, they polled 3,000 workers between the ages of 20 and 59, unearthing that an astounding 45% of the workforce can be labeled as "quiet quitters."

Akari Asahina, a researcher at the Mynavi Career Research Lab, describes this new normal: "Quiet quitting is on the rise."

Coined on TikTok in the U.S. in 2022, the term "quiet quitting" refers to employees who doggedly adhere to their job's essential obligations but steer clear of going above and beyond or gunning for promotions.

In Japan, a staggering 70% of the surveyed quiet quitters intend to persist in this practice, according to Mynavi's most recent survey findings. Approximately 60% express satisfaction with the outcome, gaining more time to focus on personal pursuits during and beyond work hours.

A closer look at the study reveals some intriguing insights:

  • Generational Impacts: The quiet quitting trend is particularly prominent among the younger generation, with 46.7% of workers in their twenties opting for this approach.
  • Contented Prevalence: Roughly 60% of those who engage in quiet quitting are content with the outcome, primarily because of the improved work-life balance and ample personal time.

These trends are indicative of a seismic shift from Japan's traditionally suffocating overwork culture. As more companies consider adopting flexible work styles and accommodating a diverse spectrum of worker values, experts argue that it's crucial to adjust to these changing times.

However, it's essential to consider the long-term consequences on productivity, employee well-being, career structures, and societal challenges such as labor shortages and declining birth rates.

In essence, the quiet quitting phenomenon underscores the growing importance of balancing work and life in Japan, paving the way for a more balanced and flexible professional landscape.

  1. The rising trend of 'quiet quitting' in Japan's workforce, as evident in a study by Mynavi, has clear implications for workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness.
  2. In the context of the Japanese economy, the shift towards quiet quitting, with its focus on personal pursuits, could have a significant impact on the nation's traditional overwork culture, especially among the younger generation.
  3. The advancing concept of quiet quitting, coined on TikTok, has sparked discussions about culture and business, as it points towards a need for more flexible work styles and consideration of employee well-being in the workplace.
  4. As businesses in Japan grapple with the quiet quitting phenomenon, issues related to finance, productivity, and societal challenges like labor shortages and declining birth rates will require careful attention and strategic solutions.
  5. The transition from a demanding work culture to one that values balance and flexibility, as signaled by the quiet quitting trend, could potentially pave the way for enhanced science and technology advancement, as a well-rested and satisfied workforce is likely to be more innovative and productive.
Majority of perceived 'quiet quitters' express contentment with minimal work performance and plan to persist in this approach.
Majority of self-proclaimed 'quiet quitters' expressed contentment with meeting job requirements and plan to persist in their approach.

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