Achieving work-life balance is essential for maintaining well-being and productivity. In Japan, where the work culture can be demanding, finding harmony between work and personal life is particularly important. Here are some vocabulary words related to work-life balance in Japanese:
1. ワーク・ライフ・バランス (Waaku raifu baransu) – Work-life balance
The concept of balancing the demands of work with personal and family life.
2. 仕事 (Shigoto) – Work, job, occupation
Refers to one’s professional activities or employment.
3. 休暇 (Kyuuka) – Vacation, holiday, time off
Time away from work for leisure and relaxation.
4. 労働時間 (Roudou jikan) – Working hours
The hours spent on work-related tasks.
5. 有給休暇 (Yuukyuu kyuuka) – Paid leave
Time off from work for which an employee is paid.
6. 無給休暇 (Mukyuu kyuuka) – Unpaid leave
Time off from work for which an employee is not paid.
7. 休日 (Kyuujitsu) – Holiday, day off
Days when people do not work, typically weekends and public holidays.
8. 勤務時間 (Kinmu jikan) – Working hours
The specific hours an employee is expected to work.
9. 残業 (Zangyou) – Overtime work
Working beyond regular working hours.
10. フレックスタイム制度 (Furekkusu taimu seido) – Flextime system
A work arrangement that allows employees to choose their starting and ending times within certain limits.
11. テレワーク (Tere-waaku) – Telework, remote work
Working from a location other than the traditional office, often from home.
12. 在宅勤務 (Zaitaku kinmu) – Telecommuting, remote work
Similar to telework, the practice of working from home or another remote location.
13. オンライン会議 (Onrain kaigi) – Online meeting, virtual meeting
Meetings conducted via video conferencing tools.
14. ワークシフト (Waaku shifuto) – Shift in work, change in work practices
A transition in work style or practices to accommodate work-life balance.
15. スマートフォン離れ (Sumaatofon hanare) – Smartphone detox
Reducing dependence on smartphones to achieve better work-life balance.
16. 有給消化 (Yuukyuu shouka) – Taking paid leave
Using accumulated paid leave to take time off from work.
17. リフレッシュ (Rifureshu) – Refresh
Taking a break or engaging in activities to recharge and relax.
18. ストレス解消 (Sutoresu kaishou) – Stress relief
Engaging in activities or practices to reduce stress.
19. レジャー活動 (Rejaa katsudou) – Leisure activities
Recreational activities pursued outside of work.
20. 趣味 (Shumi) – Hobby, pastime
Activities done for enjoyment and relaxation.
21. バーナウト (Baanauto) – Burnout
Physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork.
22. 家族との時間 (Kazoku to no jikan) – Family time
Quality time spent with family members.
23. 仕事量 (Shigoto ryō) – Workload
The amount of work assigned to or performed by an individual.
24. インバウンド (Inbaundo) – Inbound tourism
Tourists coming to Japan from other countries.
25. アウトバウンド (Auto-baundo) – Outbound tourism
Japanese tourists traveling to other countries.
26. ジョブシェアリング (Jobu shearingu) – Job sharing
A work arrangement where two or more employees share responsibilities for the same job.
27. 育児休暇 (Ikuji kyūka) – Parental leave, maternity/paternity leave
Time off from work to care for a newborn child.
28. ワークバケーション (Waaku bakeeshon) – Workation
Combining work and vacation, often by working remotely from a holiday destination.
29. リモートワークポリシー (Rimooto waaku porishī) – Remote work policy
Official guidelines and rules for remote work in a company or organization.
30. 休職 (Kyūshoku) – Leave of absence, sabbatical
A period of time when an employee temporarily stops working.
Finding work-life balance is a common goal across cultures, and understanding these vocabulary words will help you navigate conversations about work-related practices and personal well-being in a Japanese context. It’s important to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life for overall happiness and productivity.
