Thursday February 16, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

G-8 labor meeting calls for work-life balance, split on working style

Politics May. 12, 2008 - 02:50PM JST ( 5 )

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blvtzpkMay. 12, 2008 - 12:59PM JST

Their talks also aim to seek an effective framework to support a healthy work-life balance amid increased life spans within the G-8 economies.

But...

Japan is hoping to demonstrate leadership in crafting measures to help old-age people take up employment, as a nation experiencing the graying of its society at a particularly rapid pace.

So basically a healthy work-life balance in japan will be the elimination of retirement, and one should work until they drop dead?

While I do not object to people choosing to work and be active past official retirement ages, gangpressing people back into the workforce in which they have served and contributed so long and hard seems not only mean-spirited but a backward step for modern societies.
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caponeMay. 12, 2008 - 06:26PM JST

blvtzpk..is it a backward step for MODERN societies...not for japan
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MichaelJPMay. 12, 2008 - 10:02PM JST

The issue of 65+ year old retirees working is different to that in other countries where the elderly are forced to work just to pay the bills. In Japan, the elderly often have valuable skills and can still contribute significantly despite not needing to actually work. This can be very fulfilling and provide a powerful sense of belonging, even if they work limited hours.

The fundamental difference between Japan and the so called "modern" Western societies is that there is a far greater satisfaction gained from contributing to the general social good, rather than an "every man for himself" attitude and culture of entitlement that permeates modern American and Chinese societies.
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smithinjapanMay. 13, 2008 - 01:13PM JST

"In Japan, the elderly often have valuable skills and can still contribute significantly despite not needing to actually work. This can be very fulfilling and provide a powerful sense of belonging, even if they work limited hours."

I doubt that's limited to just Japan. I agree with you, but unfortunately, the 'retired worker' phenomenon in Japan is very flawed. I've had dozens of conversations that go like this:

Me: So, what do you do for a living. Old guy: I'm retired, but I used to work for Matsush-ta Electronics (I have to include the hyphen or my comment is 'offensive'). Me: Oh. Well... why are you wearing a suit today? Old guy: I just came from work. Me: ?

Anyway, it's kind of beside the point, and I AM glad that those who choose to remain active and try to teach people after a certain age can do so, but I've never understood WHY these people can receive pension benefits AND a salary for working.
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blvtzpkMay. 14, 2008 - 06:40PM JST

I acknowledge MichaelJP's point, but the "crafting measures to help old-age people take up employment" makes it sound like they'll be forced to work, or at least they'll be told that it's 'for the good of Japan' and be guilted into it. In a society where being part of the group is so central, then there's a strong pull to return to the fold and continue with the group experience in practices like work. The desire to contribute is understandable. However, it's a tendency that can be easily exploited by those who do not wish to explore other possibilities.

Remember that this 'for the better good' is also used by companies to make their staff work unreasonable hours - caring about your health, well-being or family is just a touch selfish and 'every man for himself' for some organizations. These companies are playing the modern game (profits, success) but exploit traditional values to achieve their goals. Of that we should be highly suspicious.