The number of company employees and other workers who want side jobs is increasing. It is necessary to think about bringing labor management in line with new ways of working.
To encourage people to take side jobs, the government included plans to set new rules for managing work hours in its action plan to implement the Growth Strategy. The Labor Policy Council is expected to compile concrete measures in a bid to introduce the rules in autumn.
Those who want a side job probably aim to expand their network and improve their vocational abilities, in addition to securing extra income. The expansion of telework is encouraging them, too.
Companies can also enjoy such advantages as being able to incorporate the knowledge their employees gain outside the company into new businesses.
According to a survey by a private organization, only 30% of companies allow side jobs. One reason is the difficulty of managing working hours. The government's intention to improve the rules for managing work hours is understandable.
The question is how to be aware of the hours people spend working at multiple companies. The Labor Standards Law requires companies to manage the working hours of their employees by calculating the total hours spent at both a person's main and side jobs to avoid overwork.
The government plans to introduce a self-reporting system under which employees tell companies the amount of time they spent on their side jobs. Under the plan, even if there are omissions or falsifications, companies will not be held responsible. It is a realistic measure, considering similar systems are reportedly administered in other countries.
What is worrisome is that there may be cases in which overwork is ignored. If it becomes easier to take on side jobs, there is a possibility that the number of people working long hours for a living, such as by having part-time jobs, will increase. Death from overwork must not be caused.
The upper limit on overtime hours also applies to side jobs. It is also effective for both workers and employers to decide in advance how much time the employee will spend in each job. Companies must pay more attention to their employees' health management.
It will also be necessary to expand the scope of the employment insurance system.
Currently, people including those who work more than 20 hours a week at one company can join the public employment insurance. Those who work a total of 20 hours a week at both their main and side jobs are not eligible.
From fiscal 2022, in order to support the lives of the elderly, those aged 65 or older will become eligible to join such insurance by adding up their work hours. It is important to examine whether the system can be applied to people under 65 by clarifying the problems in operating the system, such as whether the enrollment procedure is smooth.
There are many people who work side jobs as contractors rather than employees. Contractors are not subject to work hours management under the law, but concerns cannot be eliminated that they may work too much. The government should think harder how to protect workers' health based on the reality of the situation.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 18, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
