Microsoft says 4-day work weeks, other reforms boost sales in overworked Japan; new system cuts costs too
In a country notorious for overwork, Microsoft Japan trialled a radical idea: working less and it found that four-day weeks and other reforms both boosted sales and cut costs
The Microsoft logo. Reuters.[/caption]The number of participants at meetings was limited to five, and workers were also encouraged to use online communication instead of emails, it said.The results were positive, with sales per employee rising almost 40 percent in August from a year earlier, electricity consumption down by a quarter and paper usage being cut in half.The firm said the trial showed "employees want to have a variety of ways of working" and that adopting the model more broadly could boost efficiency.It plans to launch a similar programme this winter -- but won't offer special leave. Instead, employees will be encouraged to use their existing holiday days, it said.The programme comes as Japan's government pushes for more "flexible work styles," urging business to accept telecommuting, different part-time schedules and off-peak commuting.The effort is part of an attempt to address the issue of "karoshi" -- death from overwork -- and to encourage overworked and overburdened couples to have children in a country that is struggling with a shrinking population.
South Korea economy grows faster than expected in Q2 as chip exports power recovery
India remains among fastest-growing major economies despite global uncertainty, says RBI Bulletin
Iran war could cut global growth by more than half: World Bank’s chief economist Indermit Gill
Brent crude climbs to $94 as analysts expect oil prices to stay in $90–100 range
UK inflation cools further to 2.6% in June as transport and food prices ease