Japan's Big Challenge
The demographic challenge for Japan is looming on the horizon. The decrease in the numbers of young people is permanent. What companies will face is a shift in power from the company side to the employee side. The young entrants into Japanese companies will start to realise they are in super demand. This will end lifetime employment as we currently know it. If you meet someone from a Western country who has spent their entire working life with the same company you are always surprised. This is because we move between companies and this is unremarkable. Japan will become like this in the future.
The issue in Japan will be the two Rs - Recruit and Retain. How to be an attractive employer who young people want to work for will be the test. Today with social media there is a tonne of information about companies which allow the young prospects to check us out. They will particularly be looking for is information on how their supervisors will treat then.
Once they get inside the company, they have different expectations to their parents about what they want from work and what they want from bosses. The bosses however may be behind the times here in Japan and not really understanding what they need to do to retain the young.
Companies in Japan have not fully realised the ramifications of these changes. They need to work this out now or the damage will be substantial.
Engaged employees are self-motivated. The self-motivated are inspired. Inspired staff grow your business but are you inspiring them? We teach leaders and organisations how to inspire their people. Want to know how we do that? Contact me at greg.story@dalecarnegie.com
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About The Author
Dr. Greg Story: President, Dale Carnegie Training Japan
In the course of his career Dr. Greg Story has moved from the academic world, to consulting, investments, trade representation, international diplomacy, retail banking and people development. Growing up in Brisbane, Australia he never imagined he would have a Ph.D. in Japanese decision-making and become a 30 year veteran of Japan.
A committed lifelong learner, through his published articles in the American, British and European Chamber journals, his videos and podcasts “THE Leadership Japan Series”, "THE Sales Japan series", THE Presentations Japan Series", he is a thought leader in the four critical areas for business people: leadership, communication, sales and presentations. Dr. Story is a popular keynote speaker, executive coach and trainer.
Since 1971, he has been a disciple of traditional Shitoryu Karate and is currently a 6th Dan. Bunbu Ryodo (文武両道-both pen & sword) is his mantra and he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business.
