A 3-day weekend work system (4-day workweek) means having three days off per week instead of two.
When employees can choose this system, it’s called a “selective 3-day weekend work system.”
Most companies in Japan still follow a 5-day workweek, but more big companies are starting to test a 4-day workweek.
Three Types of 3-Day Weekend Work Systems
There are three main ways companies implement a 3-day weekend work system:
- Full-pay model – Work less, same pay
- Same-hour model – Longer workdays, same weekly hours
- Reduced-pay model – Fewer hours, lower pay
Let’s take a closer look at each type.
Full-Pay Model
Work fewer hours but keep the same salary.
Example
- 5-day week: 8 hours × 5 days = 40 hours/week
- 4-day week: 8 hours × 4 days = 32 hours/week
Companies need to boost productivity to maintain the same pay while reducing work hours.
Same-Hour Model
Work the same total hours per week, but longer per day.
Example
- 5-day week: 8 hours × 5 days = 40 hours/week
- 4-day week: 10 hours × 4 days = 40 hours/week
Since total work hours don’t change, salary stays the same, but workdays become longer.
Reduced-Pay Model
Work fewer hours, get paid less.
Example
- 5-day week: 40 hours → 100% salary
- 4-day week: 32 hours → 80% salary
Many companies offer this as an option for employees who prefer more time off, even with a pay cut.
Tokyo Will Introduce a 3-Day Weekend Work System
Starting in 2025, Tokyo will introduce a selective 3-day weekend work system for government employees.
- Employees can adjust their work hours over four weeks (total 155 hours).
- Those who choose this system can take one extra day off per week.
Is the 3-Day Weekend Work System the Future?
Pros:
✔ Better work-life balance
✔ More flexibility
✔ Potential for higher productivity
What’s next?
More companies might introduce this system, but it depends on the industry and job type.
Would you want a 3-day weekend work system? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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