When Masahiro Okafuji became chief executive of Itochu in 2010, he made improving productivity a top priority so the company could compete against bigger rivals in Japan. His approach was counterintuitive. Working in the office after 8pm would be banned, and there would be no more overtime – with rare exceptions. Security guards and human resources staff would scout Itochu’s office building in Tokyo, telling people to go home. Those clinging to their desk were told to come in early the next day to get their work done – and get paid extra.

Bloomberg Businessweek