45% of Japanese employees are practicing quiet quitting, what is that?

Japan is experiencing a significant change in its work dynamics, marking a 180-degree turn in the traditional loyalty of workers towards their employers.

According to a survey conducted by the job search company Mynavi, approximately 45% of full-time employees in the country practice the so-called “quiet quitting,” a phenomenon that involves only meeting the minimum requirements at work, without seeking satisfaction or opportunities for advancement.

This change is especially notable among younger generations, where 46.7% of workers in their twenties identify as “quiet quitters.”

Young Employees Embrace “Quiet Quitting” in the Japanese Labor Market

This data reflects a growing trend towards the reconciliation of work and personal life, an aspect that has become increasingly relevant due to the stress and long working hours that previously characterized the Japanese work environment.

Additionally, the study reveals that 60% of workers who practice quiet quitting are satisfied with their life decisions, longing for a healthier balance between work and leisure time.

More than 70% of these respondents believe that feeling fulfilled at work is closely linked to their personal life, a clear indicator of how work values are evolving.

On the other hand, 56.9% of the surveyed employees admit that, if they could avoid it, they would not want to work. This feeling resonates with the idea that the relationship between work and personal life should be holistic, enriching each other mutually.

Experts like Akari Asahina, a researcher at Mynavi’s Professional Research Laboratory, suggest that to adapt to these changes, companies must embrace the diversity of workers’ values and offer flexible work styles that reflect these new priorities.