Work Reform

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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

Our Philosophies:

All workers must be paid a living wage for their labor.
Income inequality is the main cause of lower living standards.
Workers must join together and fight back for what is rightfully theirs.
We must not be divided and conquered. Workers gain the most when they focus on unifying issues.

Our Goals

Higher wages for underpaid workers.
Better worker representation, including but not limited to unions.
Better and fewer working hours.
Stimulating a massive wave of worker organizing in the United States and beyond.
Organizing and supporting political causes and campaigns that put workers first.

founded 1 year ago

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Why are Japanese developers not undergoing mass layoffs? -- spoilers: better employment laws (www.gamesindustry.biz)

submitted 4 months ago by Potatos_are_not_friends@lemmy.world to c/workreform@lemmy.world

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Layoffs and studio closures have been an unfortunately-common occurrence across the industry since last year, with layoffs in 2024 already matching 2023's total of over 10,000 developers being put out of work. Yet if there is one bright spot to find in this bleak reality, it is, ironically, in the same city as the departed Tango. Its closure, undeniably tragic, is an exception in a country seemingly insulated from the industry-wide devastation occurring beyond its borders.

It's a trend across the industry in the country. In my own conversations with Japanese developers, many have acknowledged the concerns for friends in the industry internationally while admitting a level of confidence and job security that simply no longer exists no matter the company beyond Japanese borders.

Under Japanese employment law, layoffs are incredibly difficult to implement – unless the company is under severe financial difficulty and at risk of insolvency in a manner layoffs could alleviate, after other cost-saving measures have been undertaken, layoffs for permanent employees are all-but impossible.

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[–] Rentlar@lemmy.ca 49 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, if one person is fired from the company the default thought in Japan is that person must have done something very wrong to even get to that place, as it's quite rare for fulltime salaried employees.

If a group of people are laid off, in Japanese culture that reflects very poorly on the company, suggesting that management was irresponsible to lead the company into this situation.

[–] KevonLooney@lemm.ee 48 points 4 months ago (1 children)

If a group of people are laid off, in Japanese culture that reflects very poorly on the company, suggesting that management was irresponsible to lead the company into this situation.

I mean, that's the actual truth. All these tech layoffs are just happening because Executive Leadership Teams copy each other. A few years ago they were all hiring at the same time too.

You should hire when others are firing so you get the best employees. You should hold off on hiring when everyone else is hiring, so you don't overpay. It's pretty simple.

[–] ohlaph@lemmy.world 18 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Exactly. We need better laws here in the states. My company has had three layoffs and another is around the corner, in just two years. Yet, they keep acquiring other companies.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 9 points 4 months ago

Yet, they keep acquiring other companies.

We need better laws, but we also really, really need to start enforcing the antitrust laws we already have again.

[–] Badeendje@lemmy.world 18 points 4 months ago

Because Americans let themselves be fooled by branding obvious anti labor laws 'at will employment'.

The fact you have a required notice period in both directions makes sense. And the bar for firing someone should be structural provable documented underperformance and several plans for remediation by the employer.

People should not be disposable assets.

Human resources says it all. And nowadays HR people are also labelled HR Business partner. So the mask is fully off now. Just in time for structural labor shortages and recruiting problems.