A shortage of workers is a big headache for Japanese firms, especially smaller ones.
Some are being urged to hire people who can't commit to full-time hours as regular employees, allowing them to qualify for benefits such as health insurance.

About 20 business owners took part in a seminar explaining how the arrangement works.

An instructor said that even people who work, for example, 60 hours a month or twice a week can be hired as regular staff.
This includes those who need more time away from the workplace due to schooling, or childcare and eldercare.

A participant said, "We're happy to hire people who are willing to work but can't commit full-time."

The aim of the initiative is to seek out untapped talent. The organizer said this can be very helpful to small-and mid-size firms, especially in rural areas.