What do you think about work style reform and overtime limits? [Announcement of survey results]
*Dream Planning Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 10, 2024
**
What do you think about work style reform and overtime limits? [Announcement of survey results]
*URUHOME, a real estate problem solving site operated by Dream Planning Co., Ltd. (Naka-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa
Prefecture/Representative Director: Juto Takahashi), conducted a questionnaire survey targeting those interested in the business field. *
This time, we will be announcing the results of our own research on the “regulation of upper limits on overtime hours in line with work style reform”!
* [Please regarding quotation and reproduction of data] *
When using the survey results and images in this release, please use the URL of URUHOME (URUHOME) where survey results are published. Please provide a link to
https://uruhome.net/workplace-reform-and-overtime-caps
*Publication permission from our company is not required.
* [Survey overview] *
〇Survey target: “People who are interested in the business field” 〇Valid responses – 502 people
○Response gender – 252 women / 250 men
〇Response age – 71 people in their 20s / 156 people in their 30s / 161 people in their 40s / 87 people in their 50s / 25 people in their 60s / 2 people in their 70s and above
〇Investigator – Dream Planning Co., Ltd.
〇Research method – Internet questionnaire survey
〇Survey period-July 16th to July 22nd, 2024
What do you think about the upper limit on overtime hours set in work style reform?
As part of work style reform, overtime hours have been capped at 45 hours/month in principle and 360 hours/year.
Additionally, if labor and management agree on special circumstances, overtime hours can be increased to 80 hours/month or 360 hours/year as a special case.
What do you think about this reform? We asked everyone for their opinions.
What do you think about the upper limit on overtime hours set in work style reform? [n=502, total number of answers 568, multiple answers possible]
1st place: “No change” 36.9%
* ★ 1st place: 185 people (36.9%) who will not change even if there is an overtime cap ★*
Even if there is a cap on overtime hours, nothing will change. That was the most common opinion.
The opinions are mainly divided into two: “Companies don’t follow regulations = they are forced to work unpaid overtime,” and “there is no or almost no overtime to begin with.”
* -1st place comment-*
“I don’t think anything will change as before. People will continue to press their time cards before working overtime and record it as not having worked overtime.” (Male, 40s)
“The company I work for has increased unpaid overtime (male, 30s)” “It seems like the company doesn’t want you to work overtime as much as possible, so unpaid overtime is increasing.” (Female, 40s) “I haven’t really worked that much overtime (male, 30s)”
“My job doesn’t give me many opportunities to work overtime, so I’ve never really thought about overtime.” (Male, 40s)
If overtime is to be reduced, it may be necessary to reduce not only regulations but also the amount of work itself.
2nd place was 17.5% who said “I feel better”
* ★ 2nd place: Easier 88 people (17.5%) ★*
Many people have expressed the opinion that the regulation of upper limits on overtime hours has made life easier.
This may be effective if there is a lot of overtime to begin with, and if the company can survive even if the overtime/work volume is reduced.
* -2nd place comment-*
“I’ve been able to have more private time, and I feel better both physically and mentally. (Male, 40s)”
“Long hours of work places a heavy burden on the mind and body, which can lead to stress and health problems. Physical and mental exhaustion due to overwork directly leads to decreased productivity, increased mistakes, and even harm to the health of workers. By setting limits on working hours, we can reduce these risks and help employees lead healthier lives.”
“If there are no rules, companies and bosses can do whatever they want. I think it’s good that an upper limit on overtime hours has been set. I wish they would consider the health and lifestyle of employees. (Male, 50s)”
“I don’t think people think about why they have to work overtime, and I think there are times when office workers in the past pretend to be busy and make themselves work in a meaningful way.However, when a client is really in trouble, our company… There are times when I have to work overtime, but there are times when I am not able to do the necessary overtime because the appeal group is not working overtime.” (Male, 50s)
“The era when holiday revocation and unpaid overtime were the norm has changed to an era where work-life balance and quality of life are emphasized, and hours and salaries are becoming more and more restricted. I think it is very welcome that people are now able to use their leisure time to spend more time with their families, develop new skills, and increase their career options (such as side jobs). (30) generation/female)
There may be many people who feel numb in a workplace where overtime is common, and being able to go home on time feels like heaven.
3rd place: “I’m disappointed that I can’t work overtime” (5.8%) * ★ 3rd place: 29 people (5.8%) ★* Too bad they couldn’t work overtime
However, for those who earn money from overtime, the upper limit on overtime hours is nothing but a nuisance.
Your basic salary won’t go up, and you won’t get paid for
overtime…If that means you can go home early, you might consider getting a side job, but you won’t be able to pay attention to it on days when you’re forced to work unpaid overtime.
* -3rd place comment-*
“Because of this reform, I can’t earn any more money. I was earning money through overtime, so my basic salary hasn’t increased either. (Male, 40s)”
“It was a nuisance because I was paying for it with overtime pay, and I think the value of the yen will go down because I’m doing that.” (Female, 40s)
“I don’t want to work overtime, but when I have important work that has a strict deadline, it becomes a hindrance.” (Male, 20s) “I think there have been more delays in work due to restrictions on overtime hours. (Male, 40s)”
“Since I now have to complete my previous work within the overtime limit, I no longer have the mental capacity to do so.My income has also decreased considerably.” (Male, 50s)
I don’t think that working overtime to cover living expenses will improve the productivity of companies or even Japan’s national power…That being said, when the deadline for a job is approaching, at least you can make it to the point where it’s right. I would like you to do it.
4th place: “It won’t change even if special provisions are made” (5.6%) * ★ 4th place: 28 people (5.6%) ★*
Even with the creation of a special case for overtime caps, some people said that it would not make much of a difference.
* -4th place comment-*
“In an environment where working hours could be changed, I was told not to record overtime hours that exceeded the upper limit, which caused my motivation to work to decline. (Male, 20s)”
“I think if we don’t lower our standards even more, if we continue for even 45 hours, our bodies will be destroyed, so I think we’re out.” (Female, 20s)
“Even if the system is decided, it is the same unless it is made clear, and there are not enough labor standards, and the working environment of the company is a black box.In addition, the Japan Economic Association, which is supported by the selfless service of its employees, Without compensation, we are in a deflationary state, and I think the situation will only get worse. (Female, 30s) “There is a problem with companies that decide the amount of work based on overtime (male, 40s)”
“It won’t change because it won’t be protected.” (Male, 40s)
Basically, overtime is something you have to do when something absolutely has to be done, and a work plan that assumes overtime is overly demanding in the first place.
If the company is not willing to follow the rules anyway, it will just be a performance.
5th place: “Japanese economy will weaken” (4.4%)
* ★ 5th place: Japanese economy will weaken 22 people (4.4%) ★*
Japanese people should work more. Otherwise, the economy will continue to weaken…
Some people had such a sense of crisis.
* -5th place comment-*
“If Japan doesn’t work harder, I think it will definitely join the ranks of poor countries in the near future.” (Male, 40s)
“Compared to other countries, I don’t work too much. (Male, 40s)” “I think there are some people who want to work more, so I think it’s a shame to restrict them. (Male, 60s)”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea because it limits people who want to work.” (Male, 60s)
“Everything at school and work has become more relaxed, and I think my energy has decreased overall.” (Male, 50s)
According to 2023 data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED), Japanese people work 1,611 hours a year. The world average is said to be 1,742 hours, so it certainly gives the impression that they are not working.
However, Colombia, which ranked first in the world according to the same data (2,297 hours per year), does not boast the world’s most economic power.
It is expected that employees will pursue a more productive way of working rather than simply working long hours.
6th place: “I want to work more” 3.2%
* ★ 6th place: Want to work more 16 people (3.2%) ★*
I don’t know if they genuinely love their work or want to earn extra overtime, but some people commented that they wanted to work more.
* -6th place comment-*
“I think it’s okay to draw a line between those who want to work and those who want to finish on time.” (Male, 50s)
“I think it’s okay to work hard without dying from overwork. (Male, 20s)” “A system that holds back people who want to work (male, 30s)” “It’s a problem if I can’t work more when I want to work.” (Male, 20s) “I think it’s better not to have an upper limit unless there is something left over.The reason is that the number of people who can’t live on their current salary is increasing considerably.” (Male, 40s)
There is no need to stick to one workplace, so if you start a side job after returning home on time, you can work without worrying about overtime.
7th place: “Workplace is chaotic” (2.6%)
* ★ 7th place: Workplace is chaotic 22 people (4.4%) ★*
If you are unable to work overtime when necessary, work often slows down and the workplace becomes chaotic.
There were also concerns that the regulation of overtime hours would cause chaos in the workplace.
* -7th place comment-*
“Depending on the company, there are busy seasons, so making decisions made by the national government or the government will cause confusion.” (Male, 40s)
“I think the workplace will be chaotic (male, 50s)”
“In the end, work style reform is not making much progress. (Female, 40s)” “I have reached retirement age and am rehired to work at my previous company, but although it is easier because my working hours are shorter, it is difficult because there are not enough people in the field, so I think it would be a good idea to shorten my working hours. I think so, but what about a way of working that doesn’t allow you to take breaks? (Male, 60s)
“I’ve heard that people who haven’t finished their work are doing it at home. I don’t think it’s a good thing. (Male, 40s)”
If you are forced to work unpaid overtime or take your work home with you, you are putting the cart before the horse.
As mentioned in the comments, isn’t it a violation of the Labor Standards Act to “work without taking breaks in order to go home early?”
summary
This time, we have announced the results of a survey of 502 people who are interested in business issues.
How do you feel about the upper limit on overtime hours due to work style reform?
Dream Planning will continue to conduct and publish surveys from various business-related perspectives, so please use them as a reference.
* ■About the niche real estate problem solving site “URUHOME”* URUHOME https://uruhome.net
is a site that provides columns to solve problems related to niche real estate (so-called negative personal property) that is generally difficult to sell. We also provide free appraisals and sales consultations for niche real estate.
* ■About Dream Planning Co., Ltd.*
Dream Planning Co., Ltd. operates a vacant house matching site ( Real estate SNS Uchikatsu
) and is a pioneer in real estate ventures that is addressing social issues in Japan through the revitalization of negative personal property.
* ■Company profile*
Company name: Dream Planning Co., Ltd.
Address: 10F, Granbell Yokohama Building, 252 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Phone number: 045-641-5480
Representative: Representative Director Tatsuhito Takahashi
Established: July 2005
URL: https://dream-plan.com/