Japan Workers And Relocation: Update June 21, 2024.

 

69% in Japan would think about quitting if ordered to relocate for job: poll

Article Source:   https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240516/p2a/00m/0bu/028000c 

Ideas:

Maybe many years ago Japanese workers were willing to relocate as needed as workers back then were more dedicated to the company and did what the company wanted or needed.

The idea of being promoted to a higher level job, these day, its not as appealing to some workers in big companies.

For example. in South Korea, many large companies are considering the idea of a 6 day workweek, again, as a way to remain competitive with US tech companies, but some South Korean employees are refusing promotions that put them in the management level positions which would require them to work 6 days a week.

The younger generations maybe don't feel the need to relocate and or for a promotion these days, and maybe with reasons, as employee works needs are not the same as years ago.

Companies and especially large companies need to be aware of what workers want and need today, but at the same time, it might be impossible to meet the needs of every employee.

Some Japanese companies are becoming more and more global and might or might not require Japanese workers to relocate to overseas posts.

But some or many Japanese, as the article suggests maybe are not willing to move overseas for a year or two, as needed.

All of the reasons above, are very good reasons to not relocate to another work location, especially if its overseas. If the location is in Japan, lets say from Toyoko to Sapporo, or Osaka, it might be a not so hard decision but to relocate to foreign country, even an advanced foreign company might not appeal to some.

Accept it with conditions seems to be important for many and some kind of allowance including rent assistance seems important to some.

Working remotely, chosen by 51% is unclear, as does it mean work remotely in the home in Japan or overseas.

And there are a lot of good reasons not to relocate and maybe family situations, parents, children, homes etc. would make it difficult for many these days.

The world of work and the environment surrounding work as changed a lot in the past 20 or so years, but maybe some large Japanese companies have not kept up with the mood of the worker today, and as such many workers have multiple responsibilities and not just job needs.

Its not going to be easy for companies to send workers overseas as they will need to consider all factors and provide the needed compensation if they want workers to relocate.

Promotions today are not important for many workers as work/life experiences are far more important than advancing to a management level position in a company.

Have a nice day and be safe!