In a move designed to improve working conditions and overall productivity, Japanese civil construction businesses are planning to introduce a 'summer recess.' This decision aims to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses among workers during the scorching summer season. By following a strategy commonly practiced in other industries such as automotive manufacturing, these companies hope to see both the health and well-being of workers improved and their projects more sustainably managed.

This development is significant in the context of Japan's tight labor market and a history of overwork or 'karoshi.' Social values are shifting towards a focus on workers' rights, work-life balance, and sustainability. The introduction of a summer recess acknowledges these changes and is set to rebalance the scales in favor of the workforce.

Unlike in Japan, many construction companies in the US and EU have long since established routines of allowing workers time off during extreme weather conditions, for safety reasons. This move by Japan brings it more in line with its Western counterparts in prioritizing workers' rights.