75 Pct of Firms in Japan Not Planning to OK Side Jobs: Survey

September 18, 2018

Tokyo- About three-quarters of companies in Japan have no plans to allow their employees to have side jobs despite government efforts to promote such working practice, a survey has shown.

The survey by the government-funded Japan Institute for Labor Policy and Training, which covered both firms and workers, has highlighted the companies' strong resistance to employees with side jobs.

According to the survey, 75.8 pct of the respondent companies said they do not plan to permit employees side businesses, while 11.2 pct allowed such practices, and 8.4 pct answered that they are considering giving such permission.

Of the companies with no intention of permitting side jobs, 82.7 pct referred to worries that overwork caused by side jobs may affect employees' main business and 45.3 pct cited difficulties in grasping and managing employees' work hours.

Meanwhile, 23.2 pct of the responding workers voiced a wish to take up a side job, and 13.8 pct said they want to increase the opportunity and time for their existing side jobs. On the other hand, 56.1 pct said they do not intend to undertake a sideline business.

Of those hoping to start side businesses or spending more time on side jobs, 85.1 pct said they want to boost their income.

As for those reluctant to take up side jobs or increase their time spent on such work, 61.6 pct cited fear about possible negative effects on their main jobs, while 56.5 pct said they want to prioritize time spent with their family and friends.

The survey was held between February and March. Answers were received from 2,260 companies with 100 or more employees and 12,355 workers.

The government has asked companies to allow employees to hold side businesses or work multiple jobs in principle. To this end, the government set guidelines and model working regulations for companies in January. Jiji Press