In a move that encourages more large companies to allow their employees to hold jobs, the Japanese government will ask companies that prohibit their employees from taking a second job to explain their reasons.
The rule isn't mandatory, and companies that don't provide reasons will not face a penalty. The government hopes to encourage more large companies, which have traditionally been cautious about allowing their employees to have a second job, to respond favorably to the request, along with Keidanren, Japan's powerful business lobby.
The government hopes that disclosure will help job seekers find companies that are more open about side work. It hopes that this will foster more diversity in Japan's work practices and encourage talent to move into growth areas.
In principle, the guidelines of the government urge companies to allow their employees to take second jobs. Many employers are cautious, fearing that letting workers engage in side gigs will lead to poor performance or that their skills and credibility could be used for moonlighting more than in their main jobs.
The guidelines also state that companies can ban second jobs if they put an employee's safety or company secrets. For other reasons, or for other reasons, you're at risk. In cases where they ban such work, the government will ask companies to disclose their stance on side jobs, and explain their reasons for doing so.