The New Workplace in Japan
Skills for a Strong Recovery
In the context of a rapidly changing world of work, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened pre-existing challenges to Japan’s adult learning system and raised new ones. This report examines how skill requirements have been evolving in Japan prior to and during the COVID-19 crisis. It examines changes in the skills composition of Japan’s workforce as well as policy efforts to improve the accessibility of career guidance, broaden training participation and foster the adoption of teleworking practices. The report also provides concrete recommendations to tackle inequalities in skills and training among socio-demographic groups. Finally, it provides suggestions for how to develop a labour market information system to feed real-time data into crucial policy and decision-making processes.
The policy response of the Japanese Government during the pandemic
Japan’s response to the pandemic has been prompt and wide‑ranging. This chapter provides an overview of policies in three main areas related to the labour market: employment subsidies, online career guidance and teleworking. The chapter summarises the main challenges and responses and provides international comparisons and best-practice. The chapter also explores how digitalisation of public services and increase in remote work modes have improved flexibilities for some while increasing inequalities for others. Finally, the chapter provides direction on how to further tailor and improve these policies to build a resilient and sustainable labour market.
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