The move comes as the government struggles to attract talent. About 14,000 applied to sit the public servant exam this spring, the second lowest on record. This number has decreased by about 30% in the last decade, prompting the government to consider workplace reforms. The four-day workweek is already being implemented in the private sector, with 8.6% of companies offering more than two off days a week, according to a 2022 survey by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. There are hopes that if the central government does go through with the four-day workweek reform, it will encourage local governments and private companies to follow suit.