In Japan, "silent resignation" is gaining ground among employees

In Japan, a new phenomenon is worrying companies: "silent resignation." More and more employees are stopping making an effort for their group, settling for the bare minimum. According to a recent study, this now affects nearly one in two workers.

Human resources teams frequently discuss this topic. A major opinion study was recently conducted in the spring of 2025 by the company Mynavi Career Research Lab. Three thousand employees aged 20 to 59 were surveyed about their relationship with work , the company, and their motivations.

Nearly half of workers, or 45%, reported engaging in a strategy of "silent resignation," known in Japan as Shizukana Taishoku . Among those under 30, this proportion reaches 47%. This approach involves doing only the minimum required at the office. No reprehensible behavior is observed, but no effort is made beyond the assigned tasks. Transfers that would normally be beneficial to careers are refused, no zeal is granted, and overtime is banned.

While respect for work has traditionally been high in Japan, a shift appears to be occurring , particularly among young people. They are increasingly rejecting their parents' model of professional life. In the survey, respondents indicated that their main motivation for adopting this attitude was the desire to devote more time to their private lives. They also believe that their level of investment is consistent with their salary.

This point highlights a Japanese specificity: historically low remuneration , stemming from an era when companies relied on the unconditional loyalty and dedication of their employees. As a result, little effort has been made to revalue remuneration, and real wages—that is, wages adjusted for inflation—are steadily falling. This context is not conducive to motivation.

While the phenomenon is particularly visible in Japan, human resources departments indicate that it is also beginning to be felt in the United States and Europe.