Episode #527: Climate Change Demands Leadership Changes In Japan

 
When I first arrived in Japan in 1979, I was able to observe the nation's traditional home styles, which had historically protected against seismic hazards. The terrain is changing, though, due to changes in the environment, such as typhoons in Hokkaido and excessive heat in places like Tokyo. For those who switched to remote work during the pandemic, the sweltering summer has resulted in a 42% spike in government-approved energy bills. There are issues regarding the productivity of home offices as older people who cannot afford air conditioning are suffering from heatstroke.

As a leader, I support using the air conditioning that is offered in offices because I understand how severely hot conditions may hinder creativity and production. It becomes imperative to adopt a "cool biz" mentality and encourage earlier commutes in order to deal with the difficulties presented by the hot season. In the summer, in-person client meetings may be replaced by virtual ones. Recognising the heat-induced lassitude, I emphasise the necessity of reevaluating standards for both amount and quality of work. Ignoring these problems could result in a disgruntled workforce, underscoring the increasing significance of boss emotional intelligence (EQ) in Japan's competitive labour market.