Japan IT companies shift toward office-based work, impacting employee retention

Major Japanese IT companies, including LINE Yahoo and GMO Internet Group, are implementing policies to transition from remote work back to office-based attendance. A survey by Job Souken reveals that 75.5% of workers reported an increase in office attendance compared to the previous year, primarily driven by organizational policy changes.

While some employees value in-person communication for easier questioning and better coordination, the shift is causing significant stress. Approximately 75.8% of respondents reported feeling commuting stress, with over half stating it reduces their productivity. Many workers express a preference for a hybrid model, specifically citing three days of office attendance per week as the ideal balance.

This trend is impacting employee retention. At LINE Yahoo, voluntary resignations reportedly increased by approximately 65% in fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year. For many professionals, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, work style and flexibility have become top priorities during job transitions, with 65.8% of job seekers prioritizing how they work over salary or benefits.