'True balance': Japan's quiet telework revolution

 "....a quiet revolution in the country's rigid business culture is underway, with firms working to digitize operations..."

Sorry, this Tokyo resident is experiencing the opposite trend right -- an ongoing return to paper and physical offices. My work, requiring me to sit in front of computer screen by myself while occasionally communicating with others, was 90% at the office during the pandemic peak. Its now 95% and was slated to be 100% until the 7th infection wave started. Managers cite "security" for their aversion to WFM.

Two years ago, I registered for an IDECO retirement investment plan at a major bank, with all procedures done quickly online. When I renewed a couple of months ago, the procedures had reverted back to pen and paper, and procedures have dragged on for nearly 2 months, as the bank has sent back the 8-page quadruplicate application form three times because some kanji character wasn't properly drawn or some other bureaucratic entry-based misstep. The paperwork still isn't done. Still waiting for their next letter in the post.

One client in financial publishing now rejects my electronic invoices and demands that I send a signed paper invoice via old-fashioned letter and stamp.

I have many examples, folks. Japan flirted with digitization a couple of years ago, the managers got scared of the results and are now largely going back to paper and analogue.

I have many examples, folks. Japan flirted with digitization a couple of years ago, the managers got scared of the results and are now largely going back to paper and analogue.

Many managers in Japan work just involve rubber stamp, so stamp automation through digitization is really scare them.

In my opinion, this article shows a complete false picture of the reality in Japan.

Japanese companies don't like Telework and the management of these companies don't want their staff to work from home.

And I am not talking only about my company. All my commuter friends companies refuse work from home.

And japanese companies, which implemented Telework are currently calling back their workers to the office.

If you are working in a foreign company, then maybe your are lucky and you can work from home.

And additional, most of the japanese people do not want to work from home. They prefer to go to the office.

The Guy here in the article is a very rare case.

Every morning the trains are fully packed, and there was no big difference even in the beginning of the pandemic.

Therefore to say, Nearly a third of jobs in Japan were done remotely during the first COVID wave in spring 2020, is, in my opinion not correct.

All of us who are living in Japan and are working in a japanese company knows that Japan is far far away from a quiet telework revolution, like the headline of this article are trying to tell us.

My wife is a branch manager, and loves working from home. Told the staff to go home she will email you if there is a job! 2 staff just refused and continue to turn up at the office sitting at their desks with nothing to do. Think they don’t want to go home? For whatever reason. Company is now thinking about cutting costs by not renting office space. Those two staff will be left in the car park with their laptops, but not at home so guess they are happy.

Almost a decade ago I used to go to the office to do exactly the same work I do as a freelancer at home.

Work started by 9:30 but I had to wake up around 7 or earlier to make my lunchbox, prepare what I had to bring to the office, buy a quick snack on the way, ride the tuna can, join the pointless morning chourei, take a deep breath and finally sit on my desk. Draining, as if 1/3 of the day had already passed before I even turned on my computer. What a big waste of energy.

I read an article that working from home is considered a business and could invalidate the home insurance so people need to check that.

My wife is a branch manager, and loves working from home. Told the staff to go home she will email you if there is a job! 2 staff just refused and continue to turn up at the office sitting at their desks with nothing to do. Think they don’t want to go home? For whatever reason. Company is now thinking about cutting costs by not renting office space. Those two staff will be left in the car park with their laptops, but not at home so guess they are happy.

How sad are those two staff members!

He missed probably get krunked,with his bosses, paying 100 dollars in late cab fees, because the subway closed at 12 pm,an all night subway would bring life back to Tokyo ,

Now for the reality checks and taking off the rose coloured glasses.

Yes for us telework has had benefits but some serious problems also.

I have worked from home for years as I am a craftsman and my work shop is in my home.

So in winter the house was usually empty with the exception of myself in my workshop no heating Tokyo winters are not cold for me.

In the summer only my work space was air-conditioned.

Now I have my wife, son and daughter all working from home to noisy to work in my workshop so each in their own space, heating or cooling 24 hours a day as no one goes out.

Social life for all has grounded to a halt .

Previously as people were out in the office, meeting up after work with friends ( From university, school, etc ..) for the 3 was common.

Now no because they are home, not dressed to go out , their friends are the same so sit at home consuming more and more online junk.

Like most people I know including that work at the large corporations mentioned in the article they were given between ¥2,000 and ¥5,000 a month raise to "Compensate" for the extra costs, but in reality that doesn't come close, upgrade was needed for the internet speed with everyone online working, electricity, heating all up.

My 2 children's friends didn't have internet in their apartments as the smartphone was all they needed, suddenly teleworking they needed fixed line internet connection, and not one company would pay the installation or monthly fees that includes all the above mentioned companies in the article.

So seems really nice at first but after the total is calculated, if you are a young family man or woman it is nice but young single or older with adult children in the home, it isn't that great society and financially

Digitisation puts old farts out of a job, it will come back in force just like all other comments have stated.

This is how the media works now. Never let the facts stand in the way of a good story.

My youngest daughter has been working for an international IT company in Tokyo for 1.5 years now and doesn't like it.

Of course a few positives - no need to commute or "dress" up every day. Can take a break easily, message friends, listen to some music etc etc.

But she says the loneliness of it all starts to get to you. No casual office banter, talking about movies, restaurants, weekends etc. No smiles to speak of.

Only work. And in her case daily contact is often not video linked only audio. She says she can never get a true understanding of how people are thinking/feeling.

She says a good balance would be 2-3 days in office and 2-3 days out, but atm that doesn't look like happening.

Also quite a proportion of my university teaching has been on line - skype - over the past 2 years. Well at first it was novel and - Gee, isn't this great - but imo no way can it compete with in person teaching. In a recent Q&A with students, almost all didn't like it as the main form of teaching.

just nine percent of the Japanese workforce had ever teleworked, 

Not true.

If you have a family, especially mothers, WFH is the best.

If you are single, WFH don’t make sense.

The middle manager will not be missed

reliance on paper files, ink stamps and fax machines has long been the norm -- some say the shake-up was sorely needed.

paper files can be destroyed by natural disasters, computer files can be hacked or left on trains. Working from home also as the disadvantage of the wife having to spend time with her boring husband or ordering him to pick up the kids from cram school.

Teleworking will let only be widespread in Japan when all the ancient old micromanaging fossils die out…there’s still too many bosses that seem to think all staff slack off and don’t work unless they get directed

Here is a big problem we have.

3 working from home often having zoom junk going on.

Japanese homes and apartments thin walls.

I a craftsman use power tools, hammers, etc... Basically I make a lot of noise.

When the 3 started working from home, I was understanding at first and would avoid or stop doing certain jobs when one of them was on the phone or on zoom.

It became too much and now I don't give a D.... and just get on with my work.

If their companies don't like it I told them they are free to pay for the renovations and soundproofing, otherwise they better get things clear this is my home and my business, they want their employees working from my place (home) either pay my rent and expenses or shut up!

Of course a few positives - no need to commute or "dress" up every day. Can take a break easily, message friends, listen to some music etc etc.

But she says the loneliness of it all starts to get to you. No casual office banter, talking about movies, restaurants, weekends etc. No smiles to speak of.

My 25-year-old daughter is now prone to depression after two years of telework save for the one day at the office or with customers every week.

Just getting out, especially at lunchtime or in the evening - even alone - is essential.

She is not alone. There will be a huge bill to pay in the future. Huge.

In most cases you then just have two work places but no private home anymore. I don’t see that so-called life quality or balance increase. Admitted, in a case like above when someone can give more support to their school children it might be a better choice anyway.

People having problems working from home because there are other people or problems can also find places like public libraries, sitting in a car, renting another room from a nearby neighbor. There are those sitting on beaches and doing their work. Large shopping malls have tables and chairs. Cafes.

The problem for many working from home is the newness of their situations. Adjustments are needed. I have worked from home or in my own workshop for decades.

Antiquesaving

I a craftsman use power tools, hammers, etc... Basically I make a lot of noise.

And your neighbors are alright with that?

wallace

Today 02:06 pm JST

People having problems working from home because there are other people or problems can also find places like public libraries, sitting in a car, renting another room from a nearby neighbor. There are those sitting on beaches and doing their work. Large shopping malls have tables and chairs. Cafes

Now tell us why we or any other employee should have to rent a work place, why should they have to go to a Cafe spend their money to do their employer's work.

Honestly why should people have to pay for their internet service but their employer is the one benefiting the most.

All these silly things being said to try and convince us wfh is better.

Sure it is much better for the boss/company.

Smaller office Less rent, less electricity bills, less heating or cooling, no commuter passes to pay every month, etc..

What does the employee get, higher utility bills, pays for the internet the company benefits, in most cases inadequate work space, regular invasion of your private space in your home as you get exposed via zoom etc...

Yep it is quite clear the agenda is to cut corporate cost and sell it to the population as better for them.

Take it from one that has used his home for work for many years.

At one point clients, employers, etc...get used to your place being the work space, and forget it is also your home, they drop all proper social behaviour and your privacy goes out the window.

I am a craftsman, I chose this knowing the problems, but my wife's company, daughter's, son's companies all acting like my house is an extension of their business/office has worn out its welcome

Antiquesaving

Now tell us why we or any other employee should have to rent a work place, why should they have to go to a Cafe spend their money to do their employer's work.

Well, I agree and I would not be working from home for a company without proper compensation. They are saving on paid transport costs too. But in your situation seems like you need to find fast answers before you start attacking each other.

Honestly why should people have to pay for their internet service but their employer is the one benefiting the most.

The cost of broadband is the same no matter how much is used.

You didn't answer about you making noise and your neighbors.

wallace

Today 02:30 pm JST

The problem for many working from home is the newness of their situations. Adjustments are needed. I have worked from home or in my own workshop for decades.

> Antiquesaving

> I a craftsman use power tools, hammers, etc... Basically I make a lot of noise.

> And your neighbors are alright with that?

Never had a problem, because everyone like most used to be at work all day.

My neighbour behind is a printer, paper cutting machines, and printinter noise and the thud of the cutter every few minutes is normal, now even his wife and adult children are teleworking and his machined and noise now are a problem for them.

You can put lipstick on a pig, it is still a pig.

Telework benefits most companies some working single parents and people that like to live far from the city in big houses in the countryside.

For the younger generation, it means working from their parent's home or so e room staying in their bedroom, paying more for hearing and cooling without compensation, little or no social interaction other than email or possibly zoom which is another invasion into their home private space.

Antiquesaving

so your workshop is in a private residence? Did you check your house insurance and have a business in your private residence.

The cost of broadband is the same no matter how much is used.

Read my first comment, no.

Many young people don't or didn't have broadband.

Few of my children's friends did, they lived alone used free WiFi at school (university) and mobile, at the office they used their office network.

Once wfh started, well they couldn't use the smartphone service so had to install broadband and no the employers did pay.

Question anyone here have a company that is pay them a proper amount in comparison for the extra expenses they are paying because they work from home?

You didn't answer about you making noise and your neighbors.

I did see previous reply

wallace

Today 03:04 pm JST

Antiquesaving

> so your workshop is in a private residence? Did you check your house insurance and have a business in your private residence.

Yep all Ok, but good point you make.

I pay business insurance on my home/work space, I also pay extra liability insurance because I receive clients on the premises.

So I am not and expect but if someone is working from home check with your insurance and landlord.

My daughter's friend got refused lease renewal because the owner found out she was teleworking and say the lease is clear, residential use only.

Antiquesaving

so prior to your wife and children working from home you didn't have internet and paid to have it installed which these days is mostly free of installation charges. Internet is very cheap these days.

But additional costs of power, ac, and heating are not.

Does your business insurance cover the business of your wife and children?

People should check out the labor laws and working from home.

Did your wife and children inform their companies they did not want to work from home?

In your case are you claiming a portion of your business expenses against paying income taxes? You need to look into the position of the three family members also working there.

These matters can become very complicated.

Antiquesaving

This is a useful article for you and your family to read.

Coronavirus-Related Measures Employers In Japan Need To Know

https://www.kojimalaw.jp/en/articles/0001#:~:text=Under%20the%20law%20and%20relevant,self%2Dreport%20their%20working%20hours.

I think you can find others.

Q&A

COVID-19 Labor and Employment Issues under Japanese Law – Q&A

https://ym-partners.com/en/archives/2215

Not sure how it works in Japan but when I last did WFH, my internet/electricity was subsidized either directly from the company, or could be added as a tax deduction, heating and cooling as well. The money saved from no commuting and massive reduction in eating out was also worth it. Only real problem I guess, is if you don't have many social contacts outside of work.

AlternativeOpinion

Today 04:19 pm JST

Not sure how it works in Japan but when I last did WFH, my internet/electricity was subsidized either directly from the company, or could be added as a tax deduction, heating and cooling as well.

Before I reply it sounds like you were a contractor not employee.

Some companies provide a small amount for increased utilities but generally not much more than ¥5,000 ($40?).

If you are a contractor you can use part of the utilities as a tax deduction ( filing as a self employed business)

If you are a company employee you cannot use the utilities as a deduction ( if your company is paying part of the utilities it can use it as a deduction but not you)

The money saved from no commuting

In Japan all employer pay the monthly commuter pass.

My wife's company was paying ¥15,000 ($108 usd) a month for her commuter pass.

So now the company is saving ¥12,000 a month as it only gives ¥3,000 monthly to cover the increase in costs because she now works from home.

Note that we like most in Japan live in a small place, there are no spare rooms no home office space, the kitchen or bedrooms are the only choices.

The expense of creating a work space that was health for her to work in (kitchen table and chairs are fine for a day but not 5 days a week all year the bed isn't an office desk)

So I had to create a decent work space we had to rearrange our living conditions our already small bedroom became an office in one part, we purchased a deck and chair, etc...

Only exception are again self employed contract workers who get to use the travel cost as a tax deduction.

and massive reduction in eating out was also worth it.

Many eat out my family always brought their Bento ( Japanese lunch box) I prepared 3 lunches every morning ( yes my made my wife and 2 university and 1st year new hire adult children's lunches)

Only real problem I guess, is if you don't have many social contacts outside of work.

If this is going to be the future then laws and regulations need to be created.

Companies need to be responsible for proper work environment.

Meaning paying for a proper work location in the home, no kitchen table office, this is not healthy.

If utilities increase, the employer is to pay for them.

Etc...

Safety rules apply for an office, but tell your workers to work from home and somehow that responsibility just vanishes.

Not quite a revolution but changes have been taking place.

It depends on the job whether it is possible to do remote work or not.