Earning a Living at a Relaxed Pace? The German Work Style That Surpassed Japan
I recently read a book titled 'Surpassing Japan in GDP! The Happy Work Style of Relaxed Germans,' and I found it so fascinating that I wanted to share it with all of you.
In 2023, the news shocked us: Germany's nominal GDP finally surpassed Japan's.
'Germans who work at a relaxed pace have overtaken Japan!?'
Many Japanese people were likely surprised by this. However, this was not just a coincidence; it is the result of the secrets hidden within the German work style functioning perfectly.
In Germany, laws strictly manage working hours, and if companies force long hours, hefty fines await them. Within this system, how do Germans maintain such high productivity?
The answer lies in a culture that prioritizes efficiency. They avoid unnecessary meetings and work with little return as much as possible, and taking long vacations of two to three weeks is considered common sense. A mind refreshed by vacation generates even more creativity.
This book introduces German-style work practices that should be adopted in Japan as well. It clearly outlines concrete methods such as setting up shared files, securing substitutes during vacations, and minimizing internal emails.
I was reading this book during a camping trip. By having the peace of mind that comes with being in nature, work efficiency improves surprisingly well.
Furthermore, in post-COVID Germany, telework has become established, and the sharing of household chores has also evolved. Discussions regarding a four-day workweek are active, and these movements reduce stress and improve the quality of life. For Japan, isn't this kind of flexible work style an ideal direction?
What I felt through this book is that Japan's work environment is also facing a time for transformation. Instead of treating long working hours as a virtue, we should aim to produce maximum results in limited time and spend our holidays surrounded by nature and the ones we love. That kind of peace of mind is the key to enriching our future.
Why don't you also read this book and discover your own 'happy way of working'?
Please embrace these new ways to enjoy life that German wisdom teaches us.