Worklife balance in Japan: new policies, old practices

Abstract

This chapter explores barriers in workplace organization that working parents need to overcome to increase their agency and capabilities to achieve worklife balance (WLB) in Japan. The analysis of the qualitative data incorporating findings from nationwide surveys shows that the gap existing between WLB policies and people’s practices is caused in large part by gendered working patterns. Gendered expectations have normalized long working hours and work-centered lives for men and coerced women to choose between work and childcare, in response to which many leave their jobs following childbirth and lead lives focused on housework and childcare. Such expectations are reinforced by gendered implementation of WLB policies at work: women were allowed more latitude in using policies for family matters than men do. It is critical that companies be required to make alternate staffing arrangements so that workers availing themselves of WLB policies would not be a burden to others.