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发表于 2011-7-8 14:32:46
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VOX POPULI: Power shortages offer an excuse to clock off early
The English term "five o'clock shadow" does not refer to a shadow thrown by the sunset. It is the stubble on the face of man who has shaved in the morning.
It depends on the individual whether the stubble is seen as fashionable and cool or simply sloppy. The "9 to 5" has traditionally been regarded as the regular hours for office workers. That pattern is now changing. The summer business hours of some workers are being changed, with some companies moving up the beginning and end of the business day. It is a sort of unofficial daylight saving time.
As such seasonal words for summer as "mijikayo" (short nights) and "akeyasushi" (early dawn) suggest, morning comes early in the summer. By 5 a.m., it is light. Come to think of it, it would be a waste not to take advantage of the morning's natural sunlight and cool air. Businesses are also trying to cash in on this "daylight saving time," developing "after-four sales campaigns" to attract shoppers who get off work early.
Extra leisure time in the evening is said to be another good thing about daylight saving time. Some people may spend the extra time taking lessons, going to the gym or spending time with their families. The Asahi Shimbun quoted one worker saying: "Although it is hard to get up early in the morning, this one hour is precious." According to an Asahi survey, major companies have never been so eager to introduce their own daylight saving hours.
The public has been split over the official introduction of daylight saving time. One of the reasons cited by opponents is overtime. It is difficult to quit work and go home when the sun is still out. Opponents argued they would be required to work longer hours. However, this summer, with power supplies short, the system is aimed at getting off work early. I wonder whether the move would provide an opportunity to change the corporate culture of Japanese companies.
It is said that optimists look at doughnuts while pessimists see the hole. Instead of moaning about power shortages, we should wisely use the electricity we have and change our values and ways of life. Such opportunities as this are hard to come by.
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 7 |
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