As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

In an attempt to restore balance to a work culture that leaves Japanese citizens no time for personal pursuits or family life, the government has begun pushing a four-day working week. The change could mean anything from increased productivity to saving lives otherwise lost from chronic overwork.

Retaining, engaging, and motivating employees has long been a challenge for companies of all sizes, and increased global competition for talent is making that harder than ever. Japanese start-up Attuned is using AI to help businesses better understand and retain their employees.

How are Gen Zers ushering in the end for gender binaries? Why might city life change for good? And what might solo living look like in the post-pandemic era? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore the behavioural norms shared by Japanese people in 2021.

With local economies hit hard by COVID-19 and many offices shut, people are exploring new workplace possibilities. Tapping into this, the Japanese government has provided funding to national parks to improve their facilities in a bid to encourage potential teleworkers to take ‘workcations’.