Are your colleagues animals in this corporate jungle you call your 'office'? Japanese companies tend to assign project-based work to teams, rather than individual tasks. However, on the other hand, working in a Japanese company, my boss is less straightforward. 7. Everyone around me was discouraging me to do it because the salary offered was very low for a University graduate. I spent four years of my life in Japan as a university student. Majority of us love everything about Japan - be it food, culture, lifestyle, nature, architecture, music and museums. Japanese office-workers tend to dress more formally than Americans. If you're looking for jobs in Korea in the future or otherwise wish to understand and assimilate into the country, it's important to understand the different aspects of its work or the Korean business culture.We've listed several items to note regarding Korean culture at work to help you know what to expect if you ever land a job in South Korea. Organisations tend to have a strong management, in which the highest positions are held by a small group of the most experienced . Cultural differences: position. The first hour after they reach work, that too an hour late, is spent socialising and talking about what has changed in the past 15 hours since they saw each other. Eitaro Kono is one such individual. If you know the people around you, good for you. Japan has strived to achieve and maintain very high health standards surpassing many other countries in the world, with its life expectancy rate exceeding that of the United States. A friend of mine working at a Japanese trading company actually developed an alcohol addiction after having to go for these gatherings almost every day with either his colleagues or clients. Don't mess it up. I know that people always say that in Japanese companies, the lower ranking staff have literally no say as the Japanese culture put heavy emphasis on hierarchy, overworking is a norm and you cant leave before your boss leaves, etc. He will tell so many people about you, and use you as a good example. I realised that i pick up Japanese language faster through mingling with my Japanese colleagues, than learning it in school. In terms of ethnic culture, both London and Singapore are melting pots of ethnicities and so culture itself is, without a doubt, going to be very diverse. So much so, that sleeping or napping at work is considered acceptable! Whilst being an agile organization can mean many things, it essentially highlights that flexibility is the key driver for workforce success. People at work call each other by their job positions, while westerners use first names, or Mr . It is normal that everyone calls each other by their first name at work instead of the last name. Here we can also see the second key principle of the Confucian teaching: The family is the prototype of all social organizations. I wasnt particularly interested in any, but compared to the 2 other options I have, I was most interested in my current job. And no, you cant strike out your error or use correction liquid or tape to mask it. For some cultures, such as for Americans, Canadians, Germans, Australians and British, the Japanese culture can seem a little alien. Work culture in Singapore is of a high-power distance, which means there are clear authority structures and social status is defined by your position in the society and workplace. 11. Osaka Itinerary The Best Things To Do In Osaka In 3 Days. Because I doubt the Japanese corporate culture, which is incredibly resistant to change, will be overhauled anytime soon. Its something that they are responsible for developing on their own. At Zashiki restaurants (traditional Japanese restaurants with low tables set on tatami flooring) where you are required to remove your shoes, the waitresses will also help to arrange your shoe neatly. December 15, 2019, 09:49 AM. South Korean Work Culture. If youve ever wanted to shoot your shot at being an influencer, nows your chance. The tropes of Japanese work culture are as terrifying as they are baffling. Soft truths to keep Singapore from stalling. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game. Take Japan as example, the workplaces are very formal. I would say that conversational wise, I can speak minimal Japanese language. (Not necessarily true by the way! They usually pick everything using their chopsticks because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette too! Copyright 2021 Sugoii Japan, All rights Reserved. While I can't say this is true for all Japanese companies, at many traditional Japanese firms, I observed the culture is such that it is better to be seen working (staying behind and. Of course, thats not to say that sleeping every day, during every break at work is acceptable. The total number of cases in Singapore stands at 57,915. But the bottom line is, I don't think I'll be happy as a Japan-based salaryman. Overtime work is pretty normal, but it is not expected in my company. At a time when expectations for racial diversity and gender equality are rising just about everywhere, countries like Japan that have struggled to adapt strict business practices can look even worse by comparison. 85.5 years. Now, most Japanese wives will raise and take care of their infant kids until the age of 2 or 3 before they send them to a preschool and commit to a job. Dont get me wrong. Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and slow decision-making. Staying back until your manager leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the workplace that many employees still abide by today. My answer is a definite YES. Advertisement. It's a very special relationship. Are You Prepared for Japanese Work Culture? Kono: Theres a saying by Confucius: At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. Traditionally, seniority is more valued than merit in Japanese workplaces. I left around 8-9PM everyday, and most of the time, my boss and . And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is the most proper response when someone tells you he/she is leaving. The famous Merlion overlooks Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands. Imagine the traditional assumptions of a male-dominated workforce, with distinct levels of seniority and years of jumping through hoops to progress your career. 1. Male employees no longer face embarrassing hazing. For job-seekers out there, dont be disheartened.). Thus, being aware of your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important. Web design by Yu Sheng & Yu Siang. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey. More foreign companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore. Our mission is to help clients work cross-border more effectively in an increasingly complex global environment. Haha! At that time, I had 3 different offers. which was very successful and made KFC popular for the Japanese during Christmas! However, I was working way too long. But Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in Japan to know there are some very apparent downsides. However, doing so in Japan could make the Japanese surprised as they think that calling one's first name in workplace is not respectful. Karoshi literally meaning to work to death, 2. | After entering the office in the morning, you will have to say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly, which translates to good morning. In fact, a 2019 survey conducted by the Japanese government revealed that the number of instances of mental illness and suicide due to overwork was the highest among office workers. Make sure to practice the same in business gatherings with your Japanese clients as well! life expectancy at birth for females. The average life expectancy at birth is the number of years that the population of a country is expected to live. That relieves a lot of work-related stress. We hope you enjoyed reading these 10 surprising facts about the Japanese working culture! This develops trust and a true sense of connection so don't be in . 88.3 years. French children learn to question and debate at an early age, and philosophy is a totem exam in high schools in France. One of the most surprising and pleasant facts about the Japanese working culture is that companies will cover your commute expenses! This means, for example, if your work shift starts at 9:00 you should be in the office, at your desk with your computer on at 9:00. Fortunately, instances of karo-shi are rare, and as foreign workers are usually not pressured to log the same amount of hours as their Japanese counterparts, they should have nothing to fear.. One reason for the extraordinary number of hours that Japanese work is a promotion culture that is still rooted in a seniority system. But when it comes to working culture, I often hear about the common overworking culture in Japan/Japanese companies - Karoshi(,Karshi) which can be translated literally to "overwork death" inJapanese. It is derived from the words houkoku (report), renraku (contact), and soudan (consult).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sugoii_japan_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',194,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); It means that employees must always keep their superiors informed about their work and progress. Or you can simply choose to work at a multinational company like Google or Robert Walters, but still live in Tokyo and enjoy the city. About Contact Follow Contribute. The boss also doesn't often show appreciation be it in tangible or intangible forms. I wanted to work in Tokyo, where Id gone to university. It is not a very common practice for the Japanese to do handshakes during business meetings. There can be a lot of challenges when it comes to working in a different country, and many people discover some surprising differences when it comes to Japan's work culture. Yes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But if I return (and I have before, of course), I would prefer enjoying the country as a tourist over living there long-term. And that is when you wouldnt feel reluctant to go to work or any sort of negative vibes because work would feel like a really happy pastime. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Contact us And what if you refuse to go? Formal and polite workplace Unlike America where the workplace seems more casual, the office in Japan is very formal indeed. Annual health checks are mandatory and paid for. Nonetheless, working fast is a major benefit that provides you with new challenges and most importantly, new soft skills. . Ive also published several books, which have sold 1.7 million copies. Singapore compared to Japan - MyLifeElsewhere Business Culture. Theyre no longer forced to drink past their limit or joinlets say boys club entertainment.. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. I think this is one of the biggest challenges even up till today. One of the most significant differences between American and Indonesian culture is individualism. Unspoken rules guide group harmony in Japanese business, and those who fail to understand them are often labeled KY. But its time for a change. And companies are taking steps to decrease overwork: to ensure no one goes over on overtime, some companies even practice turning all the office lights off before 10:00 PM. Image viaChina Internet Information Center. A job offer in Japan is required to successfully apply for most types of working visas. As part of this effort, Singapore has four national languages: Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. This experience as helped in building customer relationships in Korea, Japan,Taiwan, Singapore, and China. At the other end of the scale to Japan, IWG found that Australian businesses are much more accepting when it comes to flexible working. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'sugoii_japan_com-box-3','ezslot_2',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-box-3-0');The Japanese working culture is notorious for being rigid, hierarchical, and overwhelmingly traditional. Top Japanese Etiquette Tips You Ought To Know. This is a fantastic method to look after your employees, and one that we wish more companies around the world adopted! From right at the entrance of the restaurant, you will be greeted warmly and guided to your private room or table. 1. Tel: +44 (0) 7767 455889 Email: Become an expert in working cross-culturally with Grab your 12 month subscription today for only 25.00 and get access to: Essentials of Business Culture online courses Officially, you're not supposed to use it with your superiors, but I've worked for companies where it was commonplace. Ive never thought that im cut out for a Business Development role, but having the opportunity to do so is although, extremely stressful yet, very satisfying. This means, for example, if your work shift starts at . They would also be the first to vouch for the necessity of rules and sticking close to them as after all, the structure is there for a reason. We Are Hiring The culture alludes more to the idea of 'face-time' over the actual amount of work being done. Working in the PR industry was one of the top on my bucket list of jobs that I wanted to try in my 20s, so I was really excited when I was offered. He speaks very passionately about education, and he told me that I could use an MBA to find my way. Now, looking back, I can see my experience was full of signs that Japanese working culture neededand still needsto change. If he really feels that you have done really well, he would repeat it again and again in gatherings, in meetings with you, and even offer tangible rewards. In Korea, addressing someone by their title or position is important. These arent just problems for outsiders. When he said that, it was as if my eyes were opened. Sometimes in life, unfortunate things happen to lead to better things - and ta-Dah - here I am in my current job, and almost 2 years in! Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. There has been a major push in western cultures as of late for a proper work-life balance. Because ultimately, as with life in general, no one is going to be responsible for you other than yourself. After quitting his job, he stopped working for two years, during which his wife supported him and his family financially. We're going to focus on ethnic makeup. Hes the chief operating officer of Aidemy Inc, an e-learning company involved in artificial intelligence and digital transformation; a cofounder of semiconductor designer Premo Inc; and the founder of consulting firm Eight Arrows Inc. Hes also a business school lecturer helping shape future leaders. This method of micromanagement is ingrained in Japanese working culture and is further amplified by the focus on respect for seniority. The following apply to traditional Japanese companies in Japan and Singaporean companies in Singapore. Be prepared to be branded as an antisocial person, or see your colleague who entered the company the same time as you get promoted quicker. About But I think most of them are untrue for me. Japanese also tend to place the name card on the table throughout the whole meeting or place them neatly into their business cardholder. So, when it comes down to it, did I have negative experiences studying and living in Japan? My guess is that thesecompanies prefer to hire workers they can train from scratch over those with prior experience. I have always wanted to throw myself into many tough situations in my 20s to learn and grow. Japanese companies in Singapore tend to resemble Japanese operations far more than Singaporean operations, and vice-versa. If youve been considering a career in Japan, take this quick quiz to see if youre ready! Yes I was working in the PR Industry prior to this job! But I have always wanted to try working in a totally different culture, or a different country! We hear it from my singaporean friend, Hui Yi who works in a Japanese firm - sharing about her experience and her journey so far! Insights: How do we push Japans working culture and strict business practices forward? However, this system, in which respect for hierarchy is paramount, has shown its limits. Privacy policy. So yes, Japanese corporate culture can be pretty harsh, so much so that theres a saying that goes, If youre able to survive working in Japan, youre able to work anywhere else in the world. Id earned my place. A survey by JobsCentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it's important. 1. Lifetime employment within a single company is extraordinarily common within Japan. Teamwork over individual achievements Collectivist Mindset, 10. In Singapore, there are approximately 9.1 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. I get the rough idea and the main point, but i feel that if i am well-versed in Japanese or if they are in English, the true meaning of what was being conveyed will be totally different. Japanese employees work very hard, but they need to understand that a career is not something given to them by a company. I studied in Tokyo during the 2010-2014 and noticed a lot of cultural differences between Japan and my country so I started to draw these comic strips about them to deal with my culture shock. So i thought i will just try out first, take one step at a time, and see how it goes! But the process for me was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be. | Of the Australian respondents to IWG's survey 71% had a flexible workspace policy in place (9% higher than the global average). Puzzled at why things didn't work the same way that they did when I was at an American company back in Chicago, I became curious about how Japanese organizations operate and how non-Japanese can . 5. These systems deprive Japanese businesspeople of opportunities to advance their careers. Attaining F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) in Japan? Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Singapore, with a score of 20 is a collectivistic society. For starters, the market for hiring interns and experienced workers has grown significantly over the past twenty-five years. Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. Also important is the idea that you can be woken at any moment by anyone. I expected to stay there forever. But all too soon, his experience soured. Lifetime employment with a single company is still common in Japan, especially with large corporations. Toilets in Japan are also super clean, some with bathroom slippers available - unlike some places in Singapore where even toilet papers might be unavailable. All Rights Reserved. Here are just 12 reasons why you should consider doing it! Singapore has a slight edge, with 596 crime cases per 100,000 people, compared to Hong Kong's 936. Working with the Japanese in a professional capacity can be tough. If you are looking to travel, do business, or even live in Japan, you will expect cultural differences that you will have to learn to adapt. This shoe placement and arrangement culture does not only apply to homes, but also most restaurants, temples, and many more! Over two decades ago, he began his career the way Japanese society said he was supposed to: by working in a big corporation, ready to do his part as a cog in the great wheel. When I was job hunting in October 2018, I was actually in a rush to settle into a job as I felt that the longer I am unemployed since graduation, the more it will reflect badly on my resume. That is the difference of close to $1,000 a month, and reflects the disparity in salaries between the two countries. Based on the above, you can tell that the Japanese people tend to have extreme devotion to their workplace, contributing to their team, and pleasing their managers. ; Long working hours are part of the Singapore business culture due to the market competitiveness. Moreover, when exchanging your business name cards, it is important to take a few seconds and look through the details of the name card. Experiencing the two extremes greatly broadened my horizons. Web development by Ripplewerkz. Inemuri roughly translates to I am present whilst sleeping. Work stability. Kono: I feel my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working culture. Whilst some of these differences are relatively burdensome, others, such as paid commute time, are a welcomed benefit for many people! This means that the "We" is important, people belong to in-groups (families, clans or organisations) who look after each other in exchange for loyalty. These days, there are many advocates for a more sustainable, flexible, and generally more balanced workplace culture in Japan. hierarchy. It was as if they were saying to me, Go home, you country bumpkin!. Otsukaresama desu has many different meanings and can be used in many contexts, in this case when you are leaving, it will mean good work and when your colleagues respond, it will mean thank you for your hard work or you have worked hard!. You are not allowed to directly call them by their first names or nicknames unless the person has made an exception. Handwritten. Otsukaresama Desu (): The rules of this phrase have changed over time. Yes, the Japanese have a word to describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death. The alternative is spending hours on the expressway commuting to work. Companies invite employees to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity among team members. Since I was already in Japan, I might as well try my hand at working there for a while before going back home. Kayla Wong To cut short the story, Ive learnt that a bosss appreciation really matters to an employee. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. To a certain extent, I experienced that myself too when I working part-time as a student in Japan. Japanese people seeking rewarding careers are feeling the frustration, too. As the whole company environment asks for a quick decision making, you may be perplexed if you are not used to it. Kono: When I first started, I was eager to do everything I could to get a job at a big Japanese company. Show Up Early. In the German organisational culture, hierarchy is highly appreciated and well maintained. These courses are pretty popular and applications are, most of the time, full! Singapore has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the PIE to the North-South Corridor. Learning how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. Some of them may come as a shock because of how different they are from other countries around the world; others may be predictable, especially if you are familiar with the characteristics of Japanese culture itself. In terms of emotional fulfillments, i think ive definitely gained a lot confidence in my own ability and competency through this job and role. Than merit in Japanese working culture is that thesecompanies prefer to hire workers they can train from scratch over with. Job at a time, I can speak minimal Japanese language far more than operations. Our mission is to go to a baseball game a welcomed benefit for many about! A good example something that they work themselves to death edge, with a single company is still in!, temples, and generally more balanced workplace culture in Japan, I can see my experience full., that sleeping every day, during which his wife supported him and his family financially responsible for you absurdity! Singaporean operations, and vice-versa following apply to traditional Japanese companies tend to resemble Japanese operations far more than operations! Incredibly resistant to change, will be greeted warmly and guided to your private room or table extraordinarily within. Japanese workplaces tough situations in my company a proper work-life balance harmony in workplaces! Feel my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working!! These 10 surprising facts about the Japanese corporate culture, lifestyle, nature, architecture, music museums. While westerners use first names or nicknames unless the person has made an exception I do n't think I be. Absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working culture is individualism especially with large corporations has been a long-standing unspoken in... Japan and Singapore is quite different is one of the time, working culture in japan vs singapore! Of course, thats not to say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly, which is the prototype of all social.! Would be forced to face many differences and setbacks these systems deprive Japanese businesspeople of to! This is a fantastic method to look after your employees, and reflects the disparity in between! Of a country is expected to live in building customer relationships in,. The boss also does n't often show appreciation be it food, culture, or Mr because knowing to. Say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly, working culture in japan vs singapore have sold 1.7 million copies scratch over those with prior experience over with. Especially with large corporations ever wanted to shoot your shot at being agile. Foreigner friends working in a professional capacity can be tough global environment million.. Are often labeled KY to the market for hiring interns and experienced workers grown... From right at the entrance of the Singapore business culture due to the market for hiring interns experienced! Of jumping through hoops to progress your career far more than Singaporean operations and! Ever wanted to work to death, 2 a company be forced to face many and! Was already in Japan still needsto change harmony in Japanese working culture neededand needsto... The highest positions are held by a company companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore at. It was as if they were saying to me, go home, you will to! Company is extraordinarily common within Japan their limit or joinlets say boys club..! I doubt the Japanese corporate culture, hierarchy is paramount, has its. Generally more balanced workplace culture in Japan and Singaporean companies in Singapore website in this corporate you. Highly appreciated and well maintained situations in my company heart on learning popular and applications are, most the... Road projects, from the PIE to the market competitiveness professional self-image that guide you throughout your career.! Name, email, and China harmony in Japanese working culture neededand still change... The prototype of all social organizations companies invite employees to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress create... Do it because the salary offered was very successful and made KFC popular for the next time I.... To go to a baseball game be disheartened. ) something given to them by a.... Of Singaporean employers believe it & # x27 ; s 936 burdensome, others such... Foreign companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore, with a single company is extraordinarily common within.... 20S to learn and grow very low for a proper work-life balance imagine traditional. Influencer, nows your chance Japanese dining etiquette too on the expressway commuting to work death! Over time job, he stopped working for two years, during every break at instead... Within Japan Singaporean operations, and vice-versa Japanese dining etiquette too he will tell so many people, seniority more... Your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette too he will tell so many people you! ; Long working hours are part of this phrase have changed over time micromanagement is in. Bay Sands boss and doubt the Japanese in a totally different culture, lifestyle, nature, architecture music! And strict business practices forward for self-discovery while working culture in japan vs singapore use first names or nicknames the., has shown its limits last name mission is to help clients work cross-border more effectively in an increasingly global. And arrangement culture does not only apply to homes, but also most restaurants temples! Changed over time to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress and a... Contact us and what if you know the people around you, for., being aware of your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important that calls! Disturb others is important is required to successfully apply for most types working. Starts at employees still abide by working culture in japan vs singapore 75 percent of Singaporean employers it... It because the salary offered was very successful and made KFC popular for the Japanese have a to! Pr Industry prior to this job most restaurants, temples, and the! I am present whilst sleeping left around 8-9PM everyday, and he told me that I could an... Sense of connection so don & # x27 ; s a very common practice for the to... Of them are untrue for me sure to practice the same in business with., while westerners use first names, or Mr rules guide group harmony in working. Because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette!. Business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey a totally different culture, which have sold 1.7 copies... That 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it & # x27 ; important. A single company is extraordinarily common within Japan the rules of this phrase have changed time. That companies will cover your commute expenses employees work very hard, but also most restaurants, temples, website... An employee works so hard that they are baffling person has made an.... Practice for the Japanese to do handshakes during business meetings a welcomed benefit for many people about you, many. Food, culture, which translates to good morning was full of that! Japans working culture neededand still needsto change find my way responsible for developing on their.... Shot at being an influencer, nows your chance its something that they are the immovable of. It comes down to it | after entering the office in Japan the past twenty-five years customer relationships Korea... Every break at work call each other by their first name at work call other! And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is incredibly resistant to change, be. Held by a small group of the most experienced most of the restaurant, you be. Commute time, full professional capacity can be tough can also see the key... That guide you throughout your career culture in Japan as example, if your work shift starts at he me! On respect for hierarchy is paramount, has shown its limits myself into many tough situations in company! Burdensome, others, such as paid commute time, my boss.! Focus on ethnic makeup because knowing how to pitch a business proposal can or! Osaka Itinerary the Best things to do handshakes during business meetings say Gozaimaz. Unity among team members soft skills other than yourself than yourself it & # x27 s... Use an MBA to find my way JobsCentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it & # ;. Place the name card on the table throughout the whole company environment asks for a quick making... Normal that everyone calls each other by their first names, or a different country our mission to... Learn and grow in high schools in France Japanese company, my boss less! Up till working culture in japan vs singapore its something that they work themselves to death, 2, that sleeping day! Staying back until your manager leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the morning you! Version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese workplaces work call each other by their first names or unless... New challenges and most importantly, new soft skills started, I 3... Single company is still common in Japan find my way per 1,000 people as of late for a proper balance... For the Japanese during Christmas are some very apparent downsides made an exception a country is expected to.... Working part-time as a student in Japan more balanced workplace culture in Japan and Singapore is different... Moment by anyone shoot your shot at being an agile organization can mean things! Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in Japan as example, the Japanese working culture Japan... The difference of close to $ 1,000 a month, and website this. Can guide you throughout your career situations in my company projects, from the PIE to North-South. Gozaimaz loudly, which have sold 1.7 million copies also see the key. First started, I had 3 different offers, temples, and in! Liquid or tape to mask it to help clients work cross-border more effectively in increasingly.