Debunking Japanese Work Culture Myths And Misconceptions With Singaporeans
When it comes to Japanese work culture, I bet many would have several perceptions in mind such as constant overtime work and or no work-life balance. Conversely, the Japanese work culture can be quite fulfilling where most companies pay for their employees’ commute and travel expenses, and many are exposed to different kinds of opportunities and responsibilities that you don’t get elsewhere.
We asked a few Singaporeans who worked or are currently working in a Japanese company about their experience, you will be surprised as we debunk some of the popular common Japanese company culture myths!
If you are always interested to know what and how it is like to work in a Japanese company or if you are keen to explore working in one, then stay tuned to the end for a free webinar hosted by one of the largest recruitment agencies in the world - RGF!
Myth 1: Company rigidity and strict hierarchy
“I was told that if you belong to the lower tier of the corporate hierarchy system in the company, you have no say, and your opinions will not be taken into. I’m very grateful that’s not the case for me! My director listens and values my opinions. He makes sure to discuss his ideas and plans altogether before any of us executes it.”
Many of us generally think that in Japanese working culture, as long as you don’t belong to the C-level executives, you practically have no say - all you do is execute what is told. But that’s not the case for most Japanese companies. They tend to work on projects as a team and decide on things together during meetings. In recent years, Japan is widely known to have a working culture with a strong sense of teamwork.
Myth 2: No work-life balance
“I used to think that work will take up my weekends and my rest times because I see many stories on how some Japanese passed out from the exhaustion of work, but now I realize these are all your personal choices.”
As mentioned, work-life balance is a choice, and perhaps those stories you have read were of individuals who cannot juggle both well or those who prefer to drown themselves in work to feel productive in life. Moreover, you will often see Japanese teams or companies hosting after-work parties together to relieve a day or week of stress. Hence it all boils down to your one's choice and capability.
Myth 3: Loads of overtime
“In Japan, it seems like working overtime is a norm.”
Some old beliefs are still ingrained - in Japan, people who are likely to work overtime are considered more diligent and hardworking. However, in the newer generations, more have realized that working more hours doesn’t necessarily mean working harder, especially when some have purposely work overtime to bring home the extra money. In my company, I realize that overtime work can be attributed to one big factor - peer pressure. Many Japanese people are typically mindful of their coworkers, and find it hard to leave on time if everyone else is still working. This is perhaps why it seems like overtime is a norm because of how everyone else does it anyway. But in fact, it is not expected or needed in a workplace because what matters is getting your work done and not how many hours you have worked.
Always wanted to learn more about working in a Japanese company? Good news! You can now do so - completely FOC!
Upcoming Webinar with RGF
22nd April 2021, Thursday, 7 pm to 8 pm via Zoom.
RGF is the biggest recruitment agency in Japan as well as the fourth biggest recruitment agency in the whole world! They have helped many nationalities find their dream jobs in reputable organizations!
If you have a great love for Japan and thought about all the possibilities to work in a Japanese firm, then why don’t you join this webinar hosted by RGF and SingaLife and learn about how it is like to work in a Japanese company, what does it takes to work there, what you can expect, and the current opportunities available for you!
The webinar will be hosted in English so do not fret for those who don't understand Japanese! It is also free of charge. All you have to do is click on the link below and register a spot right away!
After registering, if you are keen, read our interview on a 24-year-old Singaporean's experience working in a Japanese company!
Hosted by: RGF Talent Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd
Address: 77 Robinson Road #27-01 Singapore 068896
Website: https://www.singapore.rgf-executive.com
Email: keisuke.okujima@rgf-hragent.asia
