- November 23, 2018
- Success stories
- Vorotyntseva Sofia
Japan is one of the most highly developed countries. It is not rich in resources; its territory occupies only two islands in the Pacific Ocean. But why does this country have a high standard of living, modern technology, and people living comfortably into their 80s? Perhaps they have special working conditions? Or do they work every day, without breaks? And why are so many of our compatriots so stubbornly eager to go to the Land of the Rising Sun?
History of the labor process
The history of the peculiarities of the labor process dates back to the 70s of the twentieth century, as people actively tried to increase their earnings. Then, in the 80s, the features were preserved, and already at that time Japan rose to second place in the world economy. The crisis and the end of the 90s entailed a restructuring of large companies and active labor activity of employees, as everyone fought for a vacant position.
Lifetime Hire: History
The 1860s, just after the revolution, saw the rapid development of capitalism
. At the same time, there was staff turnover at enterprises. Its rate exceeded 70%. This had a negative impact on the development of production. Entrepreneurs were looking for the reason for all this. They began to improve working conditions, thereby attracting permanent employees. It was during this period that lifelong employment became an effective personnel management system.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the lifetime employment system became popular in all industries in Japan. She in no way burdened entrepreneurs with caring for their subordinates, who worked until retirement. But at that time, the average life expectancy in Japan was 44 years.
In the 1930s, the lifetime loan system was officially introduced.
The fact is that in the 1920s, the warehouses of this company were filled with unsold equipment. Huge losses were recorded, which the company had to cover by reducing the number of personnel. But the head of the company proposed to reduce production, but leave the employees alone and pay them the same wages. The working staff responded to this initiative with delight. Within a few months, all the products in the warehouse were sold out by these grateful employees. And already in February 1930 the company resumed its activities. All this is thanks to effective personnel management.
The lifelong employment system gained legal force in 1938-1939. The decrees “On the general mobilization of the nation” and “On the general registration of workers” were adopted. At this time, Japanese production was moving onto a war footing. That is, products were produced for the front, although war had not yet been officially declared
.
The lifelong employment system became most widespread in the post-war years. Controversial reforms initiated by the American authorities were carried out. Despite this, the level of production grew rapidly - and the reason for this was the correctly selected and well-motivated personnel. And no matter how hard the American advisers tried, they could not harm the Japanese economy, which is now developing rapidly and efficiently
.
Appearance requirements
If you are from the Russian Federation, then you will have to get used to stricter dress code requirements. Undoubtedly, everything here depends on the company itself, but in general the rules of appearance are stricter. Violation of them will entail serious consequences, which does not exclude immediate dismissal.
In ordinary companies, a mandatory element of the dress code is a black suit. You should wear it in any weather, be it hot summer or cold winter. For us this seems wild, but the Japanese begin to harden themselves very carefully in childhood. Not long ago, a decree appeared allowing people to wear short-sleeved shirts on a working day. Japan decided to take pity on the workers? No, this is how energy is saved: air conditioners are not turned on even in the hottest heat.
There are companies where female representatives are prohibited from wearing fitted and tight outfits. Straight cut only. And the skirt should cover the knees.
In addition, any jewelry is prohibited - only wedding rings.
There is a minimum of cosmetics on the face, although Japanese women themselves love bright makeup: pink blush and false eyelashes. In the labor process, a girl should become neutral, so as not to attract male attention.
There is also a rule: girls should have a short hairstyle that does not cover their ears. But hair color should always be black. If you have gorgeous blonde hair, prepare black dye.
However, not only women, but also men have their limitations. For example, they are prohibited from having a beard and mustache.
The working process
Before entering your office, you will need to hand over your personal belongings to the checkpoint and take only what is useful for work. For example, a pen and necessary papers.
In addition, if in Russia we are always given instructions for the day, then in the Land of the Rising Sun there is no such thing. We can finish work earlier and go home, but here, if you work 8 hours, work 8 hours and do what you are told.
How do the Japanese work? How many hours? Indeed, the Japanese work hard. However, their principle of organizing the work process is different. For example, in the Russian Federation they pay for quality. If you don't work hard enough, you get paid accordingly. And you did everything - you have the opportunity to leave early or receive an additional task, and future career growth is ensured.
But how do they work in Japan? They pay by the hour, so almost everyone in the country takes on overtime assignments. However, they often stretch out one two-hour assignment over an entire week. The companies themselves set deadlines that do not correspond to the degree of complexity of the task. Russians regard this type of work as slowness, and the Japanese, in turn, believe that they carry out orders very carefully and attentively. And this is why it is very difficult for our compatriots to work in ordinary Japanese companies.
This phenomenon of inhibition is driving Japan into a trap. After all, in essence, work is designed not for quality, but for the amount of time spent in the office.
This is how we explained why the Japanese work a lot.
Where is lifelong employment used?
The lifetime employment system is used in Japan and the USA in large corporations. But it is used most effectively in Japan. This country takes a leading position in the development and implementation of new technologies.
The main principle in personnel management in Japan is “Personnel decide everything.”
By adhering to it, many entrepreneurs have achieved good results. They have advanced not only in the domestic but also in the foreign markets. The development of the enterprise depends on the professionalism and dedication of employees.
The more efficient the use of labor resources, the better and more efficient the company operates
As practice has shown, in most countries entrepreneurs initially invest money in technology, equipment, renovation of premises, etc. And only after paying all these costs do they begin to select personnel. Japanese businessmen do things differently. They initially recruit personnel who will bring them profit. And they distribute the profit already received to the needs of the enterprise. Thus, they reduce their own costs for production development.
Japan has the most effective personnel management system
. Businessmen believe that it is necessary to create favorable conditions for employees so that they can give their best. And for this they create a variety of motivation methods:
- bonuses;
- additional payments;
- benefits for all family members, etc.
But the most effective system for business is considered to be a lifetime employment system. Firstly
, it guarantees the entrepreneur the availability of highly qualified personnel.
Secondly,
the employee is provided with a job until retirement. In addition, after retirement he has the right to go to work. But he will be assigned to the temporary staff. And not everyone has privileges in it, as with lifelong employment.
It is worth considering that the lifetime employment system is characterized by strict selection of personnel
. Initially, the employer invites graduates of educational institutions with an excellent reputation to work. He has agreements with such establishments. Potential employees are then interviewed, take tests, and pass exams. Only after successful results, the employer offers them employment with a probationary period. If during this period the employee proves himself to be the best, the employer will offer him a permanent job, as well as lifelong employment.
Division of labor and stratification of society
In order to grow a seed, you need a lot of work and clear organization of your actions. For this reason, a concept with a very strict stratification of people was formed in Japan. Each person has his own direct responsibilities and his own role in the production process.
Communities in Japan have always been well organized. For example, a samurai never prepared food for himself and could easily die of hunger if the peasants did not feed him.
Because of this mentality, it is very difficult for every Japanese to make independent and independent decisions that are not characteristic of his social status. They cannot take on any responsibility that is in any way outside the scope of their “normal” life. To put or not to put a comma is a difficult decision for a Japanese that takes half a day. Preparing ordinary papers is a process of endlessly long, slow consultations and negotiations. It is worth noting that if an employee has the courage to make a decision that does not correspond to his status, then everyone without exception in the hierarchical chain will receive a reprimand. The principle of the system is this: “I am a simple person and I am obliged to do only what I am supposed to do.”
However, such a rigid system is understandable: Japan is a small country with a large overpopulation. To best support people, strict boundaries and rules are needed. It is necessary to clearly understand: here is my territory, and there is the territory of another. And respecting the boundaries of another is simply necessary.
The Russian Federation has a huge territory, so we are not so constrained in our actions.
Why are the Japanese less reserved?
In Japan, it is not particularly appreciated when a person shows off his achievements or advantages. The Japanese can perfectly pick up any idea and improve it several times so that the whole world will admire it. And they really succeed! But creating something of your own is very problematic. Creativity is not the most important trait of the Japanese. The ability to improve is especially valued here.
In Russia, without a creative approach, you can simply get lost in the crowd, so a creative mindset is very important for us.
Career ladder
In an ordinary Japanese company, a career is created over a long period of time. Here, promotion depends not on your merits and awards, but on your age. A young and talented specialist will always work in low positions with low salaries. Because of this organization of the labor process, Japan becomes less competitive in the world market. This type of business, although it preserves “Japanese quality,” greatly slows down progress.
What is lifetime employment
Lifetime employment is not exactly a type of employee employment
, it is rather a special type of labor relationship when the employer guarantees the provision of a job until he reaches a certain age. Obviously, such an employment system is in demand only in some countries.
The essence of the lifetime employment system is simple. It consists in the fact that the employer hires an employee after he completes his studies at a university or other specialized educational institution. And then this person works for one employer until his retirement.
How is everything going? Every year (usually in the spring) the company hires graduates of higher and specialized educational institutions for a probationary period
. Its duration depends on work responsibilities. Moreover, during the first year of work, all new employees undergo training in the company in order to better perform their duties.
Those employees who have proven themselves positively during this period are accepted into the permanent staff of the enterprise - of course, if they agree. This means that they will be provided with a job with normal pay and the opportunity to improve their professional skills before retirement
.
Wage
We figured out how the Japanese work, and it’s time to raise the topic that interests people the most—salary. Compared to the world, wages in Japan are quite high. However, its size is reduced by 30 percent due to the current tax system. Young staff receive low wages. But the older the person, the higher his salary. And pensions in Japan are very decent.
How are salaries calculated in Japan? Each employee has a certain . These are special forms on which the time of your arrival at work and the time of leaving it are manually noted. There are also special cards. When you swipe this card on the required device, your arrival and departure are automatically entered into the electronic database.
At the end of the month, your salary will be calculated using these cards. This will also include both basic wages and overtime.
Benefits of lifetime employment
The main advantage of this type of employment is the availability of a workplace until the employee retires.
. That is, he will have a stable income with which he can provide for his family. For entrepreneurs, this type of employment also has certain advantages. They retain highly qualified personnel, who contribute to the stable and proper development of the enterprise. In addition, lifetime employment is a great way to incentivize employees who are interested in permanent and stable income.
Weekend
In the Land of the Rising Sun, people work without vacations. The only days for rest are Saturday and Sunday. Various companies provide the opportunity to take additional days off. For example, a company gives 8 days off. They need to be divided into parts, that is, you won’t be able to take 8 days off at once. You must give 1 month notice of your intention to take a mini-vacation. This is due to the fact that employees must have time to cooperate so that your absence does not cause any damage to the company. In some companies, you need to warn about a day off even earlier. Therefore, if you have an unforeseen situation, you will not be able to leave work.
Another feature of working in Japan: if your temperature rises in the morning, no one will consider this a good reason for missing work. In Japan, people go to work even if the thermometer shows “38”.
The days off are official holidays and Obon (the day when the dead are remembered). However, a young specialist does not have the opportunity to get an extra day off in the first two years.
The main holiday, New Year, takes 1-3 days. But if these additional days off fall on Saturday and Sunday, then no one will reschedule them.
In addition, there is also a “golden week”, which consists entirely of holidays. Whether to arrange a day off or not is up to the company. How long do Japanese people work per week? All 5 working days.
Unusual tradition
The stressful working conditions in Japan require some relaxation. This led to the emergence of an unusual tradition, which in the country is called “inemuri”. It represents sleep or a kind of quiet hour while working. During this time, the person continues to remain upright. In this case, sleep for the Japanese is not only a sign of hard work. It indicates the employee’s hard work and dedication.
However, those who have just got a job should not try to fall asleep on it. Inemuri is a privilege of the authorities. An employee has no right to sleep in front of a more qualified colleague. The only exception is processing that takes place after the end of the official working day. At this time, a person can sleep for 20 minutes, but with the condition that he will continue intensive work after waking up.
Working day
How long do Japanese people work? Residents of Japan work for about 10 hours. Therefore, the statement that the Japanese work 18 hours is a myth. The working day starts at 9 am and ends at 7 pm. However, there is a rule: you cannot arrive exactly at the appointed time. You are required to be at your workplace half an hour beforehand, as Japanese companies believe that the remaining 30 minutes are necessary for mental and physical preparation for work.
You already know how many hours a day the Japanese work. Another interesting feature: you cannot go home until your boss leaves his place. As long as he works, everyone else should work too. And it doesn’t matter how long you are delayed - 15 minutes or 2 hours: no one will pay for this time. Thus, we have dispelled the myths about how much the Japanese work.
Japanese Labor Law
Since the mid-60s of the 20th century, the concept of the “Japanese miracle” - those lightning-fast changes that occurred in the Japanese economy in a relatively short period of time - has entered the economy. There are several approaches to explaining this economic phenomenon. The most plausible of them lies in the attitude towards employees. Having set its priorities correctly, Japan has a greater degree of labor efficiency, loses less time in various kinds of strikes, protests, downtime, can more easily introduce new technologies, and generally produces more and faster high-quality goods than its foreign competitors.
Japan has several laws regulating labor relations and protecting the interests of workers. They apply in principle to all enterprises operating in the country, regardless of the nationality of the owner. In addition, they apply to foreign workers, provided that they fall within the definition of “employee”.
How to find a job
In Japan, there is a government employment agency, which has the self-explanatory name “Hello, Work.” There are offices and representative offices of this organization throughout the country. The agency helps people looking for work and companies looking for workers absolutely free of charge.
Some regional government organizations and educational institutions also offer employment services free of charge. There are also several private employment agencies of various types in the country. Moreover, most need to be paid only in case of successful employment. Finally, jobs in Japan can be found through numerous newspapers, magazines and Internet sites.
The process of hiring labor is subject to the principle of free contractual relations: the employer has the right to decide for himself how many and what kind of workers he wants to hire. At the same time, in Japan there are a number of rules that are unusual for a Russian citizen. For example, employers do not have the right to indicate the gender of the employee in advertisements for vacant positions.
How to register an employee
When hiring workers, companies enter into employment contracts with them. In this case, the employer is obliged to notify the employee in writing of the following conditions of employment:
1) Duration of the employment contract (or in the absence of provisions regulating the duration of the contract, an indication of this fact)
2) Description of the workplace and duties that the employee must perform
3) Start and end times of the working day, overtime, breaks, weekends and vacations
4) Method of determining, calculating and paying wages; the period for which wages are calculated and the timing of their payment
5) The procedure for leaving and dismissal from work (including a description of all grounds for dismissal)
Expiration date of documents
As a rule, employment contracts do not indicate their duration. If the validity period is nevertheless indicated, then, with the exception of a number of special cases, it should not exceed three years. In this case, the employee has the right to resign, provided that a year has passed from the start date of the employment contract.
Probation
Before hiring a worker on a permanent basis, an employer has the right to set a limited trial period to determine whether the person is suitable for him. Typically, the probationary period lasts three months. Moreover, if after the probationary period the employer does not want to hire the employee on a permanent basis, such a decision is qualified as dismissal. And in order for the dismissal to be valid, it is necessary that during the probationary period there are compelling reasons for refusing to hire.
How are salaries paid?
Employers are required to pay the employee wages at least once a month on a pre-agreed date. In this case, the employer can, with the consent of the employee, transfer wages to the bank account specified by him, taking into account tax deductions
The minimum wage is set in each region and in each industry separately. Moreover, if two different minimum wages are established for an employee, he has the right to receive a larger one.
The monthly salary includes a minimum salary and a number of benefits, such as housing allowance, family support allowance and travel allowance. Typically, employees in Japan are also paid summer and winter bonuses.
It should be noted that more and more companies are introducing remuneration systems in which the salary depends on the employee’s abilities. As a consequence of this, the practice of paying salaries based on the results of the year is becoming increasingly widespread.
Working hours
By law, working hours in Japan should not exceed 40 hours per week or eight hours per day, excluding breaks. But some businesses are allowed to set a work week of up to 44 hours. These areas include retailers, beauty salons, cinemas, theatres, health and hygiene establishments, as well as restaurants and entertainment venues.
If the working day is six hours, the employer is obliged to give the employee a break of at least 45 minutes. If a person works for eight hours, then the break should be at least an hour.
Employers are also required to give employees at least one day off per week or four days off per month. However, weekends do not have to fall on Sundays.
Any employer requiring its employees to work beyond the hours established by law or on public holidays is required to submit to the local Labor Inspectorate an agreement on such conditions from the employee himself.
Those who work overtime or at night are entitled to increased rates:
Paid holiday
An employer is required to provide 10 days of paid leave to an employee who has worked for at least six consecutive months from the date of employment and has worked at least 80% of the planned working days. Paid leave can be used in whole or in parts. The length of leave increases as your length of service accumulates:
The right to annual paid leave is valid for two years. In other words, unused paid leave can only be carried over to the next year.
It should also be noted that in some cases (wedding, death of close relatives, birth of a child, etc.) most Japanese companies provide their employees with several additional days of paid leave.
Maternity and child care leave
If a pregnant woman requests leave six weeks before the expected date of birth, the employer must do so. After the birth of a child, a woman may not work for eight weeks while on maternity leave.
An employer has the right to refuse to provide child care leave (1 year) to an employee who has worked at the enterprise for less than one year or has a spouse capable of providing full-time child care.
If an employee whose family member requires constant care requests leave to care for such a family member, the employer is obliged to grant this request. The maximum duration of such leave is three consecutive months. However, the employer has the right to refuse an employee who has worked at the enterprise for less than one year or whose employment contract expires in the next three months.
Issues reflected in the internal regulations:
1) Start and end times of work, breaks, weekends, vacations (including leave to care for a child and a relative due to illness), work shifts (when work is organized in two or more shifts).
2) The procedure for determining, calculating and paying wages (not including bonuses and other payments), the period for which wages are calculated and the timing of their payment, as well as issues of increasing wages.
3) The procedure for leaving and dismissal from work (including a description of the grounds for dismissal).
Other points
Employers are required to inform employees about the internal rules established at the enterprise and about any collective agreements between management and employees of the enterprise.
Employers are required to ensure compliance with safety and industrial hygiene requirements. Before an employee is hired, he is required to undergo a medical examination at the request of the employer. All permanent employees are then required, at the employer's request, to undergo a medical examination once a year.
Leaving and quitting your job
If an employee working under an employment contract without specifying a validity period expresses his intention to resign, he has the right to do so by giving two weeks notice.
An employee can be dismissed only if there are objective grounds. Reduction of staff in connection with the restructuring of an enterprise can be considered justified only if it meets the following four criteria:
1) Production necessity. The enterprise must prove that, given the current circumstances of its business, staff reduction is inevitable and necessary.
2) Taking measures to avoid staff reductions. The company must prove that its management has taken all possible measures to prevent staff reductions, such as redistribution of labor and proposals for voluntary dismissal.
3) Validity of selection of laid-off workers. The enterprise must prove that the selection of employees subject to redundancy was carried out using reasonable criteria and taking into account the principle of fairness.
4) Compliance with established rules. The company must prove that its management has carried out all necessary consultations with employees and trade unions.
An employer does not have the right to dismiss an employee if:
1) While the employee is on leave, which was granted to him as a result of an occupational disease or occupational injury, as well as within 30 days after the employee returns from such leave.
2) When the employee is on maternity leave, namely, within six weeks before the birth of the child and within eight weeks after the birth of the child, as well as within 30 days after the employee returns from such leave.
If an employer wishes to dismiss an employee, he is obliged to send him appropriate notice 30 days before the expected date of dismissal. If an employer wishes to dismiss an employee on an accelerated basis, he is obliged to pay the employee 30 days' salary at the time of dismissal.
It should be noted, however, that in some cases the employer has the right to dismiss an employee without giving notice and without paying benefits:
1) The enterprise is unable to continue its economic activities as a result of a natural disaster or other similar circumstances, the occurrence of which it could not prevent.
2) The dismissal of an employee becomes inevitable due to the employee’s fault:
- an employee, while at the workplace, commits an act that, in accordance with the Criminal Code, is qualified as a crime, including theft, embezzlement or causing bodily harm
- the employee violates rules or generally accepted standards of behavior in the workplace or has a negative impact on other employees
- the employee provides information about himself that is not true and that could influence the decision on his employment
- an employee takes absenteeism for at least two weeks without permission and without good reason
- the employee is constantly late for work, leaves work before the established time, is absent from the workplace without permission and without a good reason
Japanese social insurance system
Japan has a universal insurance system, under which all persons living in the country are required to participate in public health insurance and pension systems.
There are four different types of insurance systems in Japan, in which participation is mandatory for all companies:
1) Insurance against accidents at work. This insurance covers occupational diseases and accidents that occur at the workplace or while traveling to or from work.
2) Job insurance. Allows you to pay unemployment benefits and ensure job stability by providing financial assistance and paying various subsidies.
3) Health insurance and medical care expenses insurance. Covers employee medical and health care expenses.
4) Pension insurance. This insurance provides workers with old-age pensions, as well as survivors' and disability benefits.
The payment of insurance premiums is carried out by the company by deducting the corresponding amounts from the wages paid to the employees and transferring these amounts to the accounts of the relevant government authorities along with the contributions payable by the company itself.
Who will help
Social and labor insurance consultants are experts in human resource management. At the request of company managers, they have the right to provide the following services:
— drawing up labor and social insurance contracts and performing other administrative functions related to employment on behalf of companies
— consulting on compliance with safety and industrial hygiene requirements and human resource management
— performing mediation functions in the resolution of labor disputes in accordance with the provisions of the Law “On the Resolution of Individual Labor Disputes”
— consulting on pension issues and consideration of related complaints and claims
— resolving other issues related to the application of labor legislation
Communication with colleagues
In Japan there is a special tradition called “nomikai”. Translated: “to drink together.” Most often, this concept refers to companies and firms where employees must drink with their colleagues every day (or less often). For us, this seems wild, since in Russia there is a rather negative attitude towards alcohol, but in Japan such drinks are welcome. Even doctors recommend using them, but they are silent about the quantity and frequency of use.
Residents of the country don’t know how to drink, so they get drunk very quickly. Alcohol will not cost you anything, since it is paid for by the boss or the company itself.
Some companies have even introduced payment for “nomikai”. If you work together, then you drink together - this is the Japanese tradition. In the end, it turns out that a Japanese person spends almost his entire life in the office, surrounded by his colleagues.
Features of employment
Immigrants who come to Japan have to become accustomed to the high demands of employers and a unique national mentality. For those who do not want to do this, the company quickly finds a replacement.
The Japanese most often take a job for life. That is, having come to the enterprise as a young man, they are on its staff until retirement. If you want to find a job in another company, the new employer will take into account the time of the previous continuous contract.
Japan is considered a country that is quite closed to immigrants. After all, when applying for a high-paying, prestigious job, you will need not only to be a true professional, but also to have a fairly high level of knowledge of the Japanese language. But, of course, when considering candidates for a vacant position, preference will always be given to the indigenous residents of the country. In order to get a job in Japan, you will need to prove your extraordinary abilities. And for this, documents confirming a high level of professionalism will clearly not be enough. It is recommended to prepare in advance the most striking independently created projects, translating them into Japanese, so that they can be presented.
