Japan's New Guidance On Working Time

As part of the Japanese government's continuing attempt to address Japan's long working hours culture, new Guidelines on managing employee working hours have come into effect.

The Guidelines build on existing working time regulations by strengthening definitions and clarifying what is required.

'Working time' is clarified as time worked under the employer's direction, whether that direction is express or implied.

'Working time' will (if done under the employer's direction) include:

• Time spent waiting to start work;
• Time spent preparing the workplace;
• Time spent changing in and out of work clothes;
• Time spent training for work related skills;
• Time spent on work related study programmes.