Do you support the government's call for companies to take an extended holiday over the New Year period until Jan 12?

I support any extended holidays in this working culture (or any other).

People need a breather from all this work, though I doubt that there will still be those that will voluntarily or (be subtly coerced) to come to work regardless

I support any extended holidays in this working culture (or any other).

Hear! Hear!

That's all well and good for companies. Those of us working in the education field won't be taking longer holidays. We've got regularly scheduled classes and a yearly schedule to adhere to. Enjoy your extra holidays if you get them.

Those of us working in the education field won't be taking longer holidays.

Your work has not gone unnoticed, and is appreciated.

No. Enforced time off doesn’t help but allowing people to choose when to take their holidays will help stop the usual crush and crowding during Japanese public holidays.

And the people that won't get paid because they work full time hours but are not full time staff?

Yes, more holidays are always nice, but only if that time is paid for. That what is planned is an additional hit to the economy. Less income, less consumer spending, more problems for producers and sellers. The system demands growth , money circulation, consumer spending , not closing down even more than already required by corona virus health threats.

Everyone hear wants the advantages, nobody thinking of the company owners having to pay for a week of extra holidays or the fact that most other countries start working again on the 2nd of January, latest 4th.

There is a pandemic going on and a global economic recession.

Not all companies are multinationals and can afford its staff to be off another week on paid holidays.

Quite a few people cheering on paid leave here might find themselves with permanent holiday time as more small companies go bust.

Yes, but I suspect it won't happen because companies need to make money. And if the time is taken, I bet lots of companies will 'encourage' telework during the week 'off.'

Second, I'd much rather see the government encourage companies to spread days off throughout the year – the employees' choice – rather than clump everyone together at the same time (New Year's, Obon, Golden Week).

All Good if the govt takes up the slack on the loss of income to the company, how do they think some companies will be able to handle this ?

Some companies need to open to keep the money flow turning to be able to pay the staff, but then seeing as how none of these idiots in govt have ever been in business they would have no clue .

Who pays?

Salaried employees end up getting free vacation at the expense of the employer. The company makes no revenue while closed, but still has to pay people during their extra time off.

Hourly workers simply lose out on wages. Their employers also lose revenue, but at least have a lighter burden on payroll.

If the plan is for the government to bail out workers and businesses that extend the vacation, then the nation is simply taking out more debt against their children’s future.

Nothing is free.

Only if the workers get the extra time paid. Don't hold your breath.

I support any measure that will allow Japanese just a little bit more quality of life.

If the government's plan was for everything to shut down, well then I would agree. But it is only big companies, banks, perhaps schools and of course government that will shut down. All the stores, both department and convenience, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, amusement places, they will all be open and those people will have no choice in the matter. So what is the point?

Luddite No. Enforced time off doesn’t help but allowing people to choose when to take their holidays will help stop the usual crush and crowding during Japanese public holidays.

Yes. Japan will never be a "normal" country until it allows employees to schedule their own holidays. Seems to work just fine in the rest of the industrialized world.

I'm no fan of designated public holidays, but if they're not mandated, the Taro-No-Lifes in the office compete to show how loyal they are by not taking time off. This should be penalised legally, as companies little other sanction against this passive aggressive behaviour.

No, that would just mean less pay.

Will take more pay over holidays any day.

As long as they pay their employees, yes...

Well know fact, working longer does not improve productivity. In fact it is just the opposite. White collar workers in Japan work long hours but much of the time pretend to work yield some of the lowest productivity in the world. Europeans work far less hours and are much more productive. So if you want to make more money as a business owner, have your people take time off. Most of the comments above are based on old wives tales and are not supported by real data at all. Do your homework.

https://time.com/4621185/worker-productivity-countries/

I would love to haven a nice extended time off from work to relax so I can use the go to campaign

What's it got to do with the government?

Governments shouldn't be allowed ANYWHERE near any kind of business.

Government workers don't have a clue about business!

They even think an MBA is a good idea!

Joke!