Japan, you must have heard that people in this country are living in 2050. From it’s Technological Innovation, Infrastructure, Education, Manufacturing Excellence, Cultural Values, Resilience and Adaptability, Urban Planning, Healthcare and Longevity, to it’s Environmental Stewardship. Everything has transformed into it’s most advanced form.
Mainly this country is developed only because of its people. And their dedication towards the nation. So let’s start with it’s Work Culture.
Japan: Work Culture
Death from overwork, this is what you will find in news whenever you try to research about it’s work culture. Even if this is the condition here you can probably see the results of it. And how it has a big supportive hand behind this country’s advancement. Even if the employees are overworking during their break time they only think of work which results in to their death. They need to look at their contribution to their nation and people’s appreciation for their work.
If people don’t like working overtime they can easily quit that company or job but they choose not to do so. Many people says it is harsh, but in reality we have our own choice of leaving the current company of current job and find a better workplace that suits you.
Let’s look at it’s work culture:
Japanese employees are often associated with long working hours, often exceeding the standard 40-hour workweek. Overtime work, or “zangyo,” is common, and many employees feel obligated to stay late to demonstrate dedication to their work and company.
Japanese society values group harmony and consensus-building. This collectivist mindset extends to the workplace, where teamwork and cooperation are highly valued. Decision-making often involves extensive consultation and consensus-building among team members.
While less common than in previous decades, the concept of “shushin koyo” or lifetime employment still holds significance in many Japanese companies. Employees who join a company often expect to remain with that company for their entire career, fostering loyalty and stability.
Japan’s Work rules:
- You must hand write your own resume (you can feel the warmth of people that way)
- Nenko Joretsu (means the older you get, the better you are)
- Must attend a drinking party if invited (you can get to know your workers more there)
- You must wear a suit even if it’s hot (it’s considered polite to wear a suit). This varies by company, and many are not enforcing this lately
- You must be at work one hour before the start of work (it takes time to prepare for work). This varies by company, some require 30 minutes
- You must attend CHO REI, where everyone gathers and greets (it makes you feel motivated)
- Firing someone because they can’t do the job is illegal (In Japan there is a concept called “lifetime employment”, and you can’t fire someone unless it’s a major issue)
- Unpaid overtime is common and you’re expected to do it (it’s your fault that you have to work overtime)
- You can’t go home on time (this may vary by company)
Reasons of this country’s advancement
- Dedicated people
- Government Support and Policies:
- The Japanese government provides support for technology development through grants, subsidies, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
- Cultural Factors:
- Cultural values such as, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic have contributed to country’s technological prowess. The culture of “Ganbatte” (doing one’s best) drives individuals and organizations to excel in their pursuits, including technological innovation.
- Leadership in Robotics and Automation
- Culture of Innovation
- This country has a culture that values innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Concepts like “kaizen” (continuous improvement) and “Monozukuri” (the art of making things) permeate the business ethos, driving companies to constantly strive for better products and processes
- Collaboration between Industry, Academia, and Government
- Strong Education System
- This country’s education system emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects from an early age
- Investment in Research and Development (R&D)
- This country has a strong tradition of investing in R&D across various sectors, including electronics, automotive, robotics, and healthcare.
Collectively, these factors have propelled Japan to the forefront of global technology innovation, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in various technological domains.