Japan’s Unique And Distinctive Work Culture

Though the Japanese are believed to be extremely industrious and intrinsically motivated, the Japanese work ethic has often been criticised for causing too much stress among employees. In fact, ‘Karoshi’ is a commonly used term in Japan, which means death caused by overwork. Sunil Kulkarni, Founder and CEO, FidelTech, Japan, sheds light on the work culture prevalent in the country and busts some myths about it to establish that it is getting more employee-friendly with time

ICorporate Citizen: It is widely believed that the Japanese work culture is taxing. How true is it?

Sunil Kulkarni : It appears to be taxing due to the punctuality factor and the no gossip or talk during work kind of culture. People not used to this intense working might find the culture different and taxing. At the same time, during work, there is a one hour lunchtime or people take coffee or green tea during sessions and so on. Japan is stressful no doubt due to the punctuality factor, no casual talk during work and it is an intense 8-12 hour effort. Further, Japanese teams take time in initial meetings and planning. Once the plan is decided, they move swiftly with a very aggressive timeline. For newcomers, it becomes difficult to adjust because in other countries, people start initially with less planning and during execution, plans are formed on the fly.

CC: How is the work-life balance in Japan, given that the annual leaves permitted are fewer than most countries?

Japan has 16+ national holidays and these are structured around one holiday on an average per month. Add to it the 15-20 paid leaves. So in that sense, Japan has a balance of work and holidays.

CC: Please shed light on Work Style Reform Bill passed in 2018 and its impact on the Japanese work culture.

Japan is known for its dedicated work culture. Normally people used to work for long hours without much break and even fewer leaves. These work habits created health issues. Japan also has a significant population of ageing workforce. In order to reduce work stress, Japan introduced the Work Style Reform Bill. It helped to reform its work habits and to reduce working hours. It also helps to bring equality and diversity including the elderly.

CC: How does the work culture in Japan compare with India on various significant parameters that define the work ethics of a country?

1. Pay package : Like in India, this varies based on experience and skills. One stark difference is that until recently, the pay structure was graded as per the longevity in the firm and experience. One starts small at a young age and as you grow and retire, the pay package will grow surely. Whereas in India, based on management degree or lateral hire or specific skillsets, even a younger under the 30s can claim a high salary.

2. Gender equality : Japan has to do more work in this aspect. In Japan, as a policy, there is gender equality but rarely can one see gender equality in a senior management position in banks or private /public sector office. Whereas in India, we can see female CEOs of top banks or Project managers in IT firms.

3. Weekends : Japan has a five day week for most private and public sector firms. So weekends are off. Of course, in case there is extra work to be done, people come to work. But mostly it is an off and people spend time on jogging/fishing that is, pursuing hobbies or family service. In Japan, there is this concept of personal time where individuals get involved in local community service or personal hobby. However, in India, while we have a weekend, there is hardly any time for a personal hobby.

4. Work from home : There is not much work from home allowed yet in Japan. The Japanese still rely on face to face communication or meetings and hence work from home is not encouraged. With the pandemic spread, however, now hopefully it will pick up. In India, in the last few years, there has been an increase in work from home due to growing cities, a huge pool of talent in remote places or traffic jams.

5. Equation with superiors : The senior-junior relationship is very important in Japan and right from school/colleges/former workplaces till date, one has to maintain the relationship. The seniors will ensure that they take care of the junior while the juniors will ensure support and loyalty to the seniors.

6. Dress code : Dress code is formal in the workplace. In the last few years, the Japanese government has promoted “Cool biz” during summers encouraging people to wear semi-formals or do away with necktie and suits. But by and large, it is formal.

7. Employee benefits : It is mandatory to enrol employees in social insurance which is a combination of health insurance plus unemployment insurance plus pensions. Besides this, companies offer other benefits depending on the size of the company. In India, it is similar and we have PF and other benefits.

8. Promotions : These are mainly dependent on the number of years of work in a particular company and occur at intervals as one grows within the firm. Unlike in India or western countries, at the age of 25 one becomes a senior programmer or a manager by 30s, in Japan one can expect to be a manager by age 45 or so.

9. Appreciation of cultural diversity : In Japan, there is respect for other cultures. The Japanese have been travelling all around the world since the 80s and hence they have a fine understanding of cultures, food and drink. At the same time, due to a homogenous Japanese society (only 2% foreigners and almost 98% native Japanese), there is not much change in dressing or food or culture within Japan unlike India, where we are used to the regional diversity of dressing, food, language due to the presence of different states.

10. Pink slips : Until recently, Japan was viewed for long term employment and hence there was no hire and fire policy. It is not easy to retrench in Japan due to policies favouring workers and labour in general. But with startups and new-age firms, it is becoming more rampant and the young Japanese are getting used to this new culture.

"Japan is good for people who are consistent, who want to work hard and are long term oriented"

CC: How are the industries and corporate sector in Japan responding to COVID-19? How are they ensuring that the employees stay motivated and yield maximum output?

Japan has responded swiftly to it and the corporate sector has ensured lockdown in the manufacturing and services sectors. Essential services are still continued. In Japan, due to the constitution and its structure, complete or forceful lockdown is not possible. Rather Japanese believe in self-control, self-restraint coupled with clean habits, regular mask usage and thus, the pandemic scare is still controlled. The Government has come up with various schemes for SMEs and people during these times, so it is also supporting the industry.

CC: What are the general perceptions about the Indian employees in Japan?

Indian employees are seen as good employees and Indians have an image of being bestowed with good math skills, good IT skills, good English speaking skills and a global mindset. We are seen as a blend of Asian and Western values. Historically, due to Buddhism and other factors, the Japan-India relationship has been strong from ages. Indian family structure, middle-class values are highly valued in Japan. Overall the Indian comcommunity has created good friends and contributed to the Japanese industry and community.

CC: What are the challenges that you are facing in a new work culture? How difficult is it to adapt in land as new as Japan and how embracing is it of Indians?

Initially, when working in Japan, it takes time to adjust. Unlike the western economies, language and food is different and hence it takes time. Then in Japan, one has to look at what is said as well as what is unsaid. The Japanese language is subtle and Japanese people also don’t point out any mistake directly. They are helpful and guide while letting you take your time to adjust. Secondly, the punctuality and late evening work culture adds initial time pressure but overall Indians adapt to it very quickly. The five-day week helps and over the weekend, Indians can catch up with fellow community members or rest.

CC: What advice you want to give someone who is looking to work in Japan?

Japan is good for people who are consistent, who want to work hard and are long term oriented. It lacks the Silicon Valley culture and glitter, but there is a stability and maturity that builds on you. There is so much to learn from the Japanese, especially finer qualities and how to continuously better yourselves. Japan also gives you a broader view of life due to its Buddhist/Shinto philosophy and one can see that in their behaviour as well as the temples and structures.

Japanese language structure is similar to Hindi/ Marathi/Tamil basically Indian language structure and hence for Indians, it is easy to pick up spoken language. Once you pick up the local language, immersing in the society becomes much easier, thus opening up more doors. While Japanese people are kind, they are equally shrewd and hence adequate care must be taken during contracts.