AI Ethics
3d ago
Japanese Companies Employ Older Workers in Low-Responsibility Roles Amid Global Productivity Push
Sep 24, 2026
AI Summary
In Japan, many older employees are assigned to low-activity roles, known as madogiwazoku, where they perform minimal tasks while maintaining their salaries. This practice contrasts with trends in Western workplaces, where there is a strong emphasis on productivity and efficiency, leading to job cuts and increased pressure on workers.
- Japanese companies are employing older workers in roles with little responsibility, often near windows, referred to as madogiwazoku.
- These workers, primarily men in their late 50s and 60s, were hired under a lifetime employment system and are kept on comfortable salaries despite reduced workloads.
- The trend is gaining attention as younger workers in the West seek alternatives to high-pressure corporate environments.
- Japan has one of the highest rates of senior employment in the developed world, with over 25% of those aged 65 and older still working as of 2022.
- Surveys indicate that about 80% of Japanese workers wish to continue working post-retirement, with many preferring to stay with their current employers.
- The Japanese government has implemented laws and subsidies to encourage companies to retain older workers until the age of 70.
- A survey found that nearly half of younger employees reported their companies have an older worker who does little, with common activities including taking breaks and browsing the internet.
- While some younger workers express frustration with the practice, it also provides psychological safety and preserves experienced employees for mentoring roles.
work cultureproductivityageismemploymentjapan