Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has appealed to state government employees to contribute an extra hour of work each day, saying it could accelerate the state's development. Highlighting his own work ethic, the Chief Minister said he has not taken a leave in the past 30 months. The remarks have sparked discussions on productivity, governance, and the role of public servants in achieving Telangana’s growth ambitions.


Telangana CM Revanth Reddy urges employees to work extra hour daily

<p>IT companies in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have put forth a proposal in front of the state government to extend the working hours of employees to 14 hours a day. As per&nbsp;Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), the proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act and extend working hours was presented at a meeting called by the labour department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If implemented, the employees, already struggling to maintain work-life balance, will have to slog 70 hours a week. Current labour laws stipulate nine hours as the permitted working day duration while an additional hour is allowed as overtime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work more than 12 hours a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months," the new proposal states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state government has held an initial meeting on the proposal which is likely to be discussed by the Cabinet further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>KITU has expressed vehement opposition against the proposal saying it will exacerbate the existing health issues in the overworked IT employees.</p>

<p>"As per the report of KCCI [trade body], 45 per cent of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression, and 55 per cent facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation," a statement by the union said, as accessed by the publication.</p>

<p>"This amendment shows that the government of Karnataka is not ready to consider workers as human beings who need personal and social life to survive. Instead, it considers them as only a machinery to increase the profit of the corporates whom it serves,” it added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-govt-puts-job-quota-bill-on-hold-cm-deletes-post-on-100-jobs-for-locals-741849"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Karnataka Govt puts job quota bill on hold; CM deletes post on 100 % jobs for locals</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Private job quota bill put on hold</strong></h2>

<p>The rather inexplicable proposal comes days after the Congress government was forced to put on hold a bill that mandated reservation for locals in private jobs.</p>

<p>The bill capped reservations at 70 per cent for non-management roles and 50 per cent for management-level positions for Kannadigas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqxOiM762HAxXfcPUHHX3tDb8QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-karnataka-to-hike-bus-fare-after-free-ride-scheme-for-women-proves-expensive-740899" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-karnataka-to-hike-bus-fare-after-free-ride-scheme-for-women-proves-expensive-740899&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqxOiM762HAxXfcPUHHX3tDb8QxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive</a></strong></p>

<p>After major backlash from all quarters, the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it would take a 'relook' at the bill.</p>

<p>The Congress government in the state has also planned to hike bus fares after its free-ride scheme for women led to millions in losses for the Karnataka&nbsp;State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


IT companies in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have put forth a proposal in front of the state government to extend the working hours of employees to 14 hours a day.

IT companies in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have put forth a proposal in front of the state government to extend the working hours of employees to 14 hours a day. As per Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), the proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act and extend working hours was presented at a meeting called by the labour department. If implemented, the employees, already struggling to maintain work-life balance, will have to slog 70 hours a week. Current labour laws stipulate nine hours as the permitted working day duration while an additional hour is allowed as overtime. "Employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work more than 12 hours a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months," the new proposal states. The state government has held an initial meeting on the proposal which is likely to be discussed by the Cabinet further. KITU has expressed vehement opposition against the proposal saying it will exacerbate the existing health issues in the overworked IT employees. "As per the report of KCCI [trade body], 45 per cent of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression, and 55 per cent facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation," a statement by the union said, as accessed by the publication. "This amendment shows that the government of Karnataka is not ready to consider workers as human beings who need personal and social life to survive. Instead, it considers them as only a machinery to increase the profit of the corporates whom it serves,” it added. Watch | Karnataka Govt puts job quota bill on hold; CM deletes post on 100 % jobs for locals × Private job quota bill put on hold The rather inexplicable proposal comes days after the Congress government was forced to put on hold a bill that mandated reservation for locals in private jobs. The bill capped reservations at 70 per cent for non-management roles and 50 per cent for management-level positions for Kannadigas. Also read: India: Karnataka to hike bus fare after free ride scheme for women proves expensive After major backlash from all quarters, the Karnataka government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said it would take a 'relook' at the bill. The Congress government in the state has also planned to hike bus fares after its free-ride scheme for women led to millions in losses for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). (With inputs from agencies)

India: 14-hour workday for employees in Karnataka? State government considering proposal

<p>A day after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate over working hours by suggesting that the young generation should work for 70 hours in a week, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal on Friday (Oct 27) jumped into the debate and supported the Infosys co-founder.<br />
<br />
Jindal believed that the specific circumstances of India, which are different from those of a few developed economies, make it important for the country not to adopt "shorter work weeks" as the norm.<br />
<br />
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it's about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of in India 2047," wrote Jindal, in a post on X, which was formerly known as Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I whole heartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India2047?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India2047</a></p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852643928809641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A 5 day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs.<br />
Our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji works over 14-16 hours everyday. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours everyday. We have to find passion in our work and in Nation Building.</p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852647091486858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/it-billionaire-narayana-murthy-suggests-70-hour-work-week-for-indian-youth-and-internet-has-this-to-say-651689">IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say</a></p>

<h2><strong>Jindal says India's prime minister also works for 4-16 hours every day</strong></h2>

<p>The CEO further went on to cite the example of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who he claimed works for nearly 14-16 hours every day.<br />
<br />
“Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours every day. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours every day. We have to find passion in our work and in nation-building,” he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer &amp; more productive hours.<br />
We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard!</p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852650434162822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer &amp; more productive hours. We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard,” Jindal added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's greatest strength is our youth. And in our journey to become a superpower, this generation has to prioritize work over leisure. As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence.</p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852653890175450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jindal stated that the greatest strength of India is its youth and in the country's journey to become a superpower, this generation needs to prioritise work over leisure. "As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence," he stated on X.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;‘Washout’ year for Indian tech firms?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Jindal faces backlash on X</strong></h2>

<p>However, Jindal had to face backlash from users on X for his comments.<br />
<br />
“Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hours a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world,” said a user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hrs a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world.</p>
— Kiran (@iamkiran21) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamkiran21/status/1717940134211956752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, someone else stated that they should receive additional pay for working extra hours.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Days of earn today and live tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. if you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to number of hours. Can't be a one way traffic</p>
— Pankaj Pandey (@pp479w) <a href="https://twitter.com/pp479w/status/1717913378402759014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Days of earning today and living tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. If you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to the number of hours. Can't be a one-way traffic,” another comment read.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A day after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate over working hours by suggesting that the young generation should work for 70 hours in a week, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal on Friday (Oct 27) jumped into the debate and supported the Infosys co-founder.

A day after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate over working hours by suggesting that the young generation should work for 70 hours in a week, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal on Friday (Oct 27) jumped into the debate and supported the Infosys co-founder. Jindal believed that the specific circumstances of India, which are different from those of a few developed economies, make it important for the country not to adopt "shorter work weeks" as the norm. "I wholeheartedly endorse Mr Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it's about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of in India 2047," wrote Jindal, in a post on X, which was formerly known as Twitter. I whole heartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of. #India2047 — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × "A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs," he added. A 5 day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs. Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours everyday. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours everyday. We have to find passion in our work and in Nation Building. — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × ALSO READ | IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say Jindal says India's prime minister also works for 4-16 hours every day The CEO further went on to cite the example of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who he claimed works for nearly 14-16 hours every day. “Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours every day. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours every day. We have to find passion in our work and in nation-building,” he said. Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer & more productive hours. We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard! — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × “Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer & more productive hours. We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard,” Jindal added. India's greatest strength is our youth. And in our journey to become a superpower, this generation has to prioritize work over leisure. As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence. — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × Jindal stated that the greatest strength of India is its youth and in the country's journey to become a superpower, this generation needs to prioritise work over leisure. "As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence," he stated on X. WATCH | ‘Washout’ year for Indian tech firms? Jindal faces backlash on X However, Jindal had to face backlash from users on X for his comments. “Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hours a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world,” said a user. Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hrs a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world. — Kiran (@iamkiran21) October 27, 2023 × Meanwhile, someone else stated that they should receive additional pay for working extra hours. Days of earn today and live tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. if you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to number of hours. Can't be a one way traffic — Pankaj Pandey (@pp479w) October 27, 2023 × “Days of earning today and living tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. If you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to the number of hours. Can't be a one-way traffic,” another comment read. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After Narayana Murthy sparks debate over working hours, another CEO backs his 70-hour work week suggestion

<p>Tesla has come under attack from the German union IG Metall and lawmakers over claims made by workers at its Brandenburg facility over inappropriate work hours and repression of free speech. A growing number of employees have been alleging longer workdays and limited free time, according to IG Metall, which has an office close to the factory and claims to be in regular contact with its workforce.</p>

<p>As per IG Metall, employees were being told to sign non-disclosure agreements along with their employment contracts, which made them more reluctant to publicly criticise their working conditions.</p>

<p>These worries were exacerbated by a new position advertised on Tesla's career website for a "Security Intelligence Investigator," who would work with the legal and human resources departments to gather "on-the-ground information both inside and outside Tesla walls in order to protect the company from threats."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/twitter-hands-out-free-ad-spaces-to-chase-brands-back-on-platform-552584">Twitter hands out free ad spaces to chase brands back on platform</a></p>

<p>"Workers started at&nbsp;Tesla&nbsp;with great enthusiasm for the project.&nbsp;Over&nbsp;time we are observing that this enthusiasm is withering," Irene Schulz of IG Metall Berlin-Brandenburg-Sachsen said in a statement.</p>

<p>"Tesla&nbsp;is not doing enough to improve&nbsp;working&nbsp;conditions and is leaving too little time for leisure, family, and recovery."</p>

<p>Tesla&nbsp;was not immediately available for comment to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two insiders who spoke to Reuters allege that Tesla China has also requested non-disclosure agreements from certain&nbsp;employees. For Tesla employees in Austin, San Francisco, and Shanghai, Reuters discovered many people on LinkedIn with the title "Security Intelligence Investigator."</p>

<p>German business newspaper Handelsblatt said on Monday that local lawmakers from the center-left SPD to the center-right CDU had voiced concern about the claims and demanded that both Tesla and the local government conduct investigations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Tesla has come under attack from the German union IG Metall and lawmakers over claims made by workers at its Brandenburg facility over inappropriate work hours and repression of free speech.

Tesla has come under attack from the German union IG Metall and lawmakers over claims made by workers at its Brandenburg facility over inappropriate work hours and repression of free speech. A growing number of employees have been alleging longer workdays and limited free time, according to IG Metall, which has an office close to the factory and claims to be in regular contact with its workforce. As per IG Metall, employees were being told to sign non-disclosure agreements along with their employment contracts, which made them more reluctant to publicly criticise their working conditions. These worries were exacerbated by a new position advertised on Tesla's career website for a "Security Intelligence Investigator," who would work with the legal and human resources departments to gather "on-the-ground information both inside and outside Tesla walls in order to protect the company from threats." Also read | Twitter hands out free ad spaces to chase brands back on platform "Workers started at Tesla with great enthusiasm for the project. Over time we are observing that this enthusiasm is withering," Irene Schulz of IG Metall Berlin-Brandenburg-Sachsen said in a statement. "Tesla is not doing enough to improve working conditions and is leaving too little time for leisure, family, and recovery." Tesla was not immediately available for comment to Reuters. Two insiders who spoke to Reuters allege that Tesla China has also requested non-disclosure agreements from certain employees. For Tesla employees in Austin, San Francisco, and Shanghai, Reuters discovered many people on LinkedIn with the title "Security Intelligence Investigator." German business newspaper Handelsblatt said on Monday that local lawmakers from the center-left SPD to the center-right CDU had voiced concern about the claims and demanded that both Tesla and the local government conduct investigations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tesla slammed in Germany by union workers over unreasonable working hours, lack of free speech

<p>Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard," said Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also showed that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia, were the most affected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, the study, drawing on data from 194 countries, said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time," the WHO said, estimating that at least nine per cent of people work long hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the UN agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis." &nbsp;</p>


Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday. In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016. That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000. "Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard," said Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. "What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers," she said. The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked. It also showed that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia, were the most affected. Overall, the study, drawing on data from 194 countries, said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week. The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks. "The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time," the WHO said, estimating that at least nine per cent of people work long hours. WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the UN agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study. Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said. "It's really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis."

Long working hours are a killer, WHO study shows 

<p>In a country notorious for overwork, Microsoft Japan trialled a radical idea: working less. And it found that four-day weeks and other reforms both boosted sales and cut costs.</p>

<p>The Japanese unit of the US IT giant closed its offices every Friday in August, giving all 2,300 full-time workers special leave.</p>

<p>It also restricted meetings to a maximum of 30 minutes and encouraged online chats as an alternative to face-to-face communications.</p>

<p>The number of participants at meetings was limited to five, and workers were also encouraged to use online communication instead of emails, it said.</p>

<p>The results were positive, with sales per employee rising almost 40 per cent in August from a year earlier, electricity consumption down by a quarter and paper usage being cut in half.</p>

<p>The firm said the trial showed "employees want to have a variety of ways of working" and that adopting the model more broadly could boost efficiency.</p>

<p>It plans to launch a similar programme this winter -- but won't offer special leave.</p>

<p>Instead, employees will be encouraged to use their existing holiday days, it said.</p>

<p>The programme comes as Japan's government pushes for more "flexible work styles," urging business to accept telecommuting, different part-time schedules and off-peak commuting.</p>

<p>The effort is part of an attempt to address the issue of "karoshi" -- death from overwork -- and to encourage overworked and overburdened couples to have children in a country that is struggling with a shrinking population.</p>


In a country notorious for overwork, Microsoft Japan trialled a radical idea: working less. And it found that four-day weeks and other reforms both boosted sales and cut costs.

In a country notorious for overwork, Microsoft Japan trialled a radical idea: working less. And it found that four-day weeks and other reforms both boosted sales and cut costs. The Japanese unit of the US IT giant closed its offices every Friday in August, giving all 2,300 full-time workers special leave. It also restricted meetings to a maximum of 30 minutes and encouraged online chats as an alternative to face-to-face communications. The number of participants at meetings was limited to five, and workers were also encouraged to use online communication instead of emails, it said. The results were positive, with sales per employee rising almost 40 per cent in August from a year earlier, electricity consumption down by a quarter and paper usage being cut in half. The firm said the trial showed "employees want to have a variety of ways of working" and that adopting the model more broadly could boost efficiency. It plans to launch a similar programme this winter -- but won't offer special leave. Instead, employees will be encouraged to use their existing holiday days, it said. The programme comes as Japan's government pushes for more "flexible work styles," urging business to accept telecommuting, different part-time schedules and off-peak commuting. The effort is part of an attempt to address the issue of "karoshi" -- death from overwork -- and to encourage overworked and overburdened couples to have children in a country that is struggling with a shrinking population.

Microsoft Japan's four-day work a week experiment pays off ; sales get 40% boost

<p>Alibaba Group founder and billionaire Jack Ma has defended the gruelling overtime work culture at many of China's tech companies, calling it a "huge blessing" for young workers.</p>

<p>The e-commerce magnate weighed into a debate about work-life balance and the overtime hours demanded by some companies as the sector slows after years of breakneck growth.</p>

<p>In a speech to Alibaba employees, Ma defended the industry's '996' work schedule, which refers to the 9am to 9pm workday, six days a week.</p>

<p>"I personally think that being able to work 996 is a huge blessing," he said in remarks posted on the company's WeChat account.</p>

<p>"Many companies and many people don't have the opportunity to work 996," Ma said. "If you don't work 996 when you are young, when can you ever work 996?"</p>

<p>The issue has fuelled an online debate and protests on some coding platforms, where workers have swapped examples of excessive overtime demands at some companies.</p>

<p>Ma, a former English teacher who co-founded Alibaba in 1999 and has become one of China's richest people, said he and early employees regularly worked long hours.</p>

<p>"In this world, everyone wants success, wants a nice life, wants to be respected," Ma said.</p>

<p>"Let me ask everyone, if you don't put out more time and energy than others, how can you achieve the success you want?"</p>

<p>Ma referred to the tech industry today where some people are without jobs, or working at companies in search of revenue or facing closure.</p>

<p>"Compared to them, up to this day, I still feel lucky, I don't regret (working 12 hour days), I would never change this part of me," he said.</p>

<p>This month activists on Microsoft's GitHub, the online code repository site, launched a project titled "996.ICU" where tech workers listed Alibaba among the companies ranked as having some of the worst working conditions.</p>

<p>On Thursday, an opinion piece published in a state newspaper argued that 996 violated China's Labour Law, which stipulates that average work hours cannot exceed 40 hours a week.</p>

<p>"Creating a corporate culture of 'encouraged overtime' will not only not help a business' core competitiveness, it might inhibit and damage a company's ability to innovate," the unnamed author wrote in the People's Daily.</p>


Alibaba Group founder and billionaire Jack Ma has defended the gruelling overtime work culture at many of China's tech companies, calling it a "huge blessing" for young workers.

Alibaba Group founder and billionaire Jack Ma has defended the gruelling overtime work culture at many of China's tech companies, calling it a "huge blessing" for young workers. The e-commerce magnate weighed into a debate about work-life balance and the overtime hours demanded by some companies as the sector slows after years of breakneck growth. In a speech to Alibaba employees, Ma defended the industry's '996' work schedule, which refers to the 9am to 9pm workday, six days a week. "I personally think that being able to work 996 is a huge blessing," he said in remarks posted on the company's WeChat account. "Many companies and many people don't have the opportunity to work 996," Ma said. "If you don't work 996 when you are young, when can you ever work 996?" The issue has fuelled an online debate and protests on some coding platforms, where workers have swapped examples of excessive overtime demands at some companies. Ma, a former English teacher who co-founded Alibaba in 1999 and has become one of China's richest people, said he and early employees regularly worked long hours. "In this world, everyone wants success, wants a nice life, wants to be respected," Ma said. "Let me ask everyone, if you don't put out more time and energy than others, how can you achieve the success you want?" Ma referred to the tech industry today where some people are without jobs, or working at companies in search of revenue or facing closure. "Compared to them, up to this day, I still feel lucky, I don't regret (working 12 hour days), I would never change this part of me," he said. This month activists on Microsoft's GitHub, the online code repository site, launched a project titled "996.ICU" where tech workers listed Alibaba among the companies ranked as having some of the worst working conditions. On Thursday, an opinion piece published in a state newspaper argued that 996 violated China's Labour Law, which stipulates that average work hours cannot exceed 40 hours a week. "Creating a corporate culture of 'encouraged overtime' will not only not help a business' core competitiveness, it might inhibit and damage a company's ability to innovate," the unnamed author wrote in the People's Daily.

12-hours a day, 6 days a week work schedule blessing for youngsters: Jack Ma

The French socialist government was reportedly poised today to push through labour reforms without a vote as protesters gathered for their 12th show of opposition to the controversial package since March.<br />
<br />
&quot;The decision has been taken and the prime minister will announce it officially in parliament, likely at the start of the debate at 3:00 pm (1300 GMT),&quot; a political source told AFP.<br />
<br />
It would be the second time Prime Minister Manuel Valls will have used the so-called 49-3 provision for this package of reforms because he could not count on the support of the left flank of the Socialist Party in parliament when it first came up for a vote in May.<br />
<br />
The move prompted the opposition to call a vote of no-confidence, which the government survived by a comfortable margin.<br />
<br />
Today the head of the centre-right Republicans parliamentary group, Christian Jacob, said they would not call such a vote this time around.<br />
<br />
An opinion poll published last week found that 73 per cent of the French would be &quot;shocked&quot; if the government used the 49-3 provision for the final passage of the reforms, which are aimed at reining in unemployment by freeing up the job market.<br />
<br />
Union and student-backed demonstrations against the reforms which they see as too pro-business and threatening to cherished workers rights began in early March, with some protests descending into violence.<br />
<br />
The worst unrest was seen in Paris on June 14, just four days after the start of the Euro 2016 football championships in France, when around 40 people were hurt and dozens were arrested.<br />
<br />
President Francois Hollande, who faces a re-election bid next April, had hoped for a signature reform to reverse his dire approval ratings.But pressure from the street, as well as parliament`s back benches, caused the government to water down the proposals, which only angered bosses while failing to assuage critics.<br />
<br />
Unions say the main remaining sticking point is a measure giving precedence to agreements negotiated between companies and their staff over deals reached with unions across entire industrial sectors notably on working hours.<br />
<br />
Pierre Gattaz, the head of the employers` federation MEDEF, said last week that he was &quot;very disappointed&quot; with the bill in its watered-down form, calling it a &quot;monument of complexity, absolutely illegible&quot; for small and medium-sized businesses.<br />
<br />
&quot;No one on the ground understands anything anymore and it`s a law that will be of absolutely no use for employment,&quot; Gattaz said after meeting with Valls.<br />
<br />
Last week the right-dominated Senate approved a more business-friendly version of the legislation.<br />
<br />
The Senate bill, passed by a vote of 185 to 156, would scrap the 35-hour work week and restore a cap on the amount employers would have to pay out when they lose labour disputes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
With the two chambers unlikely to agree a final version, the lower house has the final say, but now the government is expected to invoke clause 49-3 and force through its version.<br />
<br />
The embattled socialist government also had to force a package of economic reforms through parliament last year using the constitutional measure, to prevent the rebel left flank of the party from sinking it.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(AFP)<br />
&nbsp;

Labour bill, if passed in the Parliament, will give freedom to companies to set work conditions and tailor pay

The French socialist government was reportedly poised today to push through labour reforms without a vote as protesters gathered for their 12th show of opposition to the controversial package since March. "The decision has been taken and the prime minister will announce it officially in parliament, likely at the start of the debate at 3:00 pm (1300 GMT)," a political source told AFP. It would be the second time Prime Minister Manuel Valls will have used the so-called 49-3 provision for this package of reforms because he could not count on the support of the left flank of the Socialist Party in parliament when it first came up for a vote in May. The move prompted the opposition to call a vote of no-confidence, which the government survived by a comfortable margin. Today the head of the centre-right Republicans parliamentary group, Christian Jacob, said they would not call such a vote this time around. An opinion poll published last week found that 73 per cent of the French would be "shocked" if the government used the 49-3 provision for the final passage of the reforms, which are aimed at reining in unemployment by freeing up the job market. Union and student-backed demonstrations against the reforms which they see as too pro-business and threatening to cherished workers rights began in early March, with some protests descending into violence. The worst unrest was seen in Paris on June 14, just four days after the start of the Euro 2016 football championships in France, when around 40 people were hurt and dozens were arrested. President Francois Hollande, who faces a re-election bid next April, had hoped for a signature reform to reverse his dire approval ratings.But pressure from the street, as well as parliament`s back benches, caused the government to water down the proposals, which only angered bosses while failing to assuage critics. Unions say the main remaining sticking point is a measure giving precedence to agreements negotiated between companies and their staff over deals reached with unions across entire industrial sectors notably on working hours. Pierre Gattaz, the head of the employers` federation MEDEF, said last week that he was "very disappointed" with the bill in its watered-down form, calling it a "monument of complexity, absolutely illegible" for small and medium-sized businesses. "No one on the ground understands anything anymore and it`s a law that will be of absolutely no use for employment," Gattaz said after meeting with Valls. Last week the right-dominated Senate approved a more business-friendly version of the legislation. The Senate bill, passed by a vote of 185 to 156, would scrap the 35-hour work week and restore a cap on the amount employers would have to pay out when they lose labour disputes. With the two chambers unlikely to agree a final version, the lower house has the final say, but now the government is expected to invoke clause 49-3 and force through its version. The embattled socialist government also had to force a package of economic reforms through parliament last year using the constitutional measure, to prevent the rebel left flank of the party from sinking it. (AFP)

French labour law poised for passage amid protest

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