Japan companies increase office attendance amid rising turnover risks

Japanese companies are increasingly implementing a return-to-office trend, with a survey by Job Souken showing 75.5% of respondents expect their office attendance frequency to increase compared to 2025. A report by Skill Up Institute suggests that companies are not necessarily seeking physical presence for its own sake, but rather to improve management ease and productivity through better visibility of team members and spontaneous communication.

However, this shift is impacting employee retention. According to the Japan Productivity Center, 16.4% of non-managerial employees would consider resigning or changing jobs if telework restrictions or abolitions were implemented, a rate significantly higher than the 9.6% reported by managers.

Broader labor trends in Japan also reflect changing attitudes toward employment. Data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare indicates that the number of people changing jobs increased to 3.79 million in 2023. Common reasons for leaving include working hours, holidays, interpersonal relationships, and mental health, highlighting a growing emphasis on personal well-being and flexible work styles.