Hitachi: Free Dress Code Ceremony: Updated April 5, 2024

 

Hitachi holds its 1st 'free dress code' entrance ceremony aimed at respecting diversity

Article Source:  https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240403/p2a/00m/0na/003000c

Ideas:

Japan has opening and closing ceremonies it seems for everything. For example, most if not all US companies, and maybe EU companies too, don't have beginning of the year ceremonies for new hires, as most probably hire year-round and not just for once a year for new hires.

Japanese companies, for too long, were stuck in a traditional mindset that didn't value diversity or change, but it seems now, as Japanese companies see the need for improved work/life experiences, some Japanese companies are showing signs of changing.

Many younger workers don't want the same experience as their parents did with long work hours at boring/dull offices with little change related to lifestyles or life experiences.

Hitachi traditionally has been a kind of blue-blood Japanese company, meaning tradition has been a major part of the company culture, but it seems they are now changing to meet the needs of the new Japanese worker, and also to make sure they can be attractive enough to get the best talent possible in the future.

Not all new workers/rookies are going to go against the grain of non-traditional business suits, as they don't want to stand out too much, so if other companies do the same thing, most younger workers will continue to wear suits as a way to fit in with the corporate culture.

Fitting it is a major part of Japanese society and the Japanese corporate work culture, and if they stand out too much, they might feel out of place and not be seen as part of the group.

Hitachi is still a traditional Japanese company, and just because the president says something in the opening ceremony, doesn't mean that all things are going to change at the company, as its still business as usual, or Japanese business as usual.

For example, for a while in the US Fridays were considered business casual or smart business dress days and maybe at Hitachi, they will implement certain days each month were casual dress is considered normal, and where employees don't need to wear business suits to work on those days.

But at the same time, meeting with clients or customers, business suits will still be the norm as business suits is still the norm when meeting other business people and or customers and clients, while in the office, away from customers and clients, casual dress might become the norm.

Most likely older Japanese workers will continue to wear the traditional business suit while younger workers might choose a more casual approach in the office.

Have a nice day and be safe!