#Japan #Gen Z #Tokyo #remote work #Heat Safety

Embracing Remote Work Amidst Heatwaves: A Gen Z Perspective

As temperatures soar beyond 35°C in Tokyo, some companies have wisely adjusted their policies to accommodate their workers. One such company is YouCanPass, based in Minato, Tokyo, which introduced a remote working policy during extreme heat days in 2018. This was later revised in 2020 to align with the alerts issued by the Ministry of the Environment and the Japan Meteorological Agency regarding heat-stroke warnings.

Last summer alone, there were 37 days when the heat-stroke alerts were in effect, indicating a growing reliance on this policy by employees. Initially, the introduction of this flexible working arrangement saw most employees opting to work from home during hot days. The company set up measures such as forwarding incoming calls to employees' mobile phones, allowing workers to take turns addressing inquiries from clients.

However, as the world adjusted to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new trend began to emerge around 2023. Particularly among younger employees in their mid-twenties, there was an observable shift towards choosing to come into the office even on heat-stroke alert days. At first glance, this preference seems contradictory, as Generation Z is often noted for valuing work-life balance; why would they willingly endure the rigors of commuting on particularly sweltering days?

Upon further analysis, the findings indicate that this may stem from the Generation Z mindset, which often prioritizes efficiency in collaboration. Many of these employees find that direct, in-person communication with colleagues leads to quicker resolution of questions and discussions. Moreover, an ingrained risk-averse attitude also plays a crucial role in this phenomenon. With increasing awareness around information security, especially following legislative changes like the Personal Information Protection Act, there’s a heightened concern about managing confidential data securely. The risk associated with working outside a secure company network—like using personal devices in public spaces—compounds the pressures to avoid remote work when triggers like heat-stroke warnings are active.

Data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive materials remain significant concerns, particularly in communal settings like cafes or co-working spaces, leading to the tendency among Gen Z to shy away from working outside the office.

The flexibility of YouCanPass’s work policy allows employees the choice to either work from home or the office, without any obligation. Each person can base their decision on the day’s context and their respective job requirements, promoting an environment where personal and professional needs coexist harmoniously.

In addition to the hot-day remote work policy, YouCanPass offers ’0.25 breaks’ that permit employees to claim two hours of paid leave on the day of application. This initiative has received positive feedback from employees who joined mid-career, as it allows them to customize their working environment according to their personal circumstances.

As YouCanPass continues to navigate this dynamic landscape, the company remains committed to fostering an environment conducive to employee growth, well-being, and productivity. Moving forward, they plan to adapt their working practices to accommodate climate change and diverse work styles, striving for a more adaptable workplace.

For more information on their HR policies, please visit YouCanPass HR Policies. To learn more about the company, check their official website at YouCanPass Official Site.