Workaholic Asia is trying out the four-day work week

Asian countries are known for a work culture that embraces long working hours. South Korea consistently ranks as one of the world’s highest in average working hours, China celebrates its so-called “996″ schedule (9 am to 9 pm, six days a week), and Japan has long grappled with karoshi, or death from overwork.

Now Asia is experimenting with a shortened work week.

Unilever, the multinational consumer conglomerate, announced today that it will begin a year-long trial of a four-day work week for its New Zealand-based staff starting this month, with no reduction in pay. The move comes after New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern suggested in May that a four-day work week could be a way to boost tourism and rebuild the economy after the pandemic.

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