The Japanese government is to call on companies to give workers one Monday morning off each month , in an attempt to improve the country ’s poor work - life balance . In January , 24-year - old Matsuri Takahashi killed herself after working over 100 hours ’ overtime . In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. She ’s death was classified as “ karoshi ” , or death from overwork . The “ Shining Mondays ” initiative is part of a wider effort to address long working hours in the country . In February , the “ Premium Fridays ” scheme was introduced to encourage firms to let workers leave early for the weekend to spend time with their families , or boost consumer spending .
The Japanese government is to call on companies to give workers one Monday morning off each month , in an attempt to improve the country ’s poor work - life balance . In January , 24-year - old Matsuri Takahashi killed herself after working over 100 hours ’ overtime . She ’s death was classified as “ karoshi ” , or death from overwork . The “ Shining Mondays ” initiative is part of a wider effort to address long working hours in the country . In February , the “ Premium Fridays ” scheme was introduced to encourage firms to let workers leave early for the weekend to spend time with their families , or boost consumer spending .