Japan looks to reform civil service bonuses to focus on performance amid overwork criticism

The Japanese government is taking steps to enhance working conditions for national civil servants in response to criticism of excessive work culture. The National Personnel Authority (NPA) is pushing for a revision of the bonus system for senior officials in government ministries and agencies to prioritize performance. This change aims to create a public service environment that rewards results, similar to the private sector.

The NPA plans to propose a detailed system for the new bonus structure in the summer of 2027. The government also intends to introduce a centralized tracking system for employees' working hours by fiscal 2027 to curb excessive overtime.

The proposed changes would apply to officials at the division director level and above. The NPA suggests adding an extra performance-based bonus component for officials who achieve outstanding results. Currently, national civil servants receive a performance-based bonus called the "diligence allowance," which varies based on personnel evaluations.

The NPA also proposes an additional bonus component for senior officials facing unexpected workload due to unforeseen duties or challenges. It recommends an average monthly pay increase of 3.51%, or 15,056 yen (about $95), along with an increase in annual bonuses by 0.05 months to 4.70 months.

These reforms aim to address the ongoing decline in applicants for national civil service positions, with numbers dropping by around 30% over the past decade. The NPA believes these measures will help stem the talent drain to the private sector.