With these eclectic responsibilities (and a GLOBIS MBA behind him), hes turned his early career frustrations into a change-making mission. Compared to Japan, Singapore has a tendency to divide the job duties clearly. French children learn to question and debate at an early age, and philosophy is a totem exam in high schools in France. All Rights Reserved. Advertise with us They usually pick everything using their chopsticks because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette too! Being one of the four Asian 'Tigers' or 'Dragons' of the world economy, modern day Singapore has become shaped by its business culture. Today, Kono is involved in three very different companies. Second, break down Japanese employment practices, such as lifetime employment and seniority systems. So much so, that sleeping or napping at work is considered acceptable! This is also why Universities tend to provide training programs for their students to prepare them for interviews, and many Japanese language schools will also provide short-term courses to aid students in resume writing, the interview process, and many more! Leadership and management are different skills, but todays leaders must have both. Woodlands had dinosaurs before it was cool. Manners are very important amongst theJapanese! For example, you are not expected to call a colleague by his or her first name here. Yes, the Japanese have a word to describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death. I was given the opportunity to go for business trips to Japan last year, and also got closer with my colleagues in my companys headquarters in Tokyo. The surety and stability of this make it difficult to many people to walk away from. Attaining F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) in Japan? 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. As Japanese companies stream into Singapore, elements of their distinctive business culture and HR systems remain in one form or another, even in the Southeast Asian republic's multicultural setting. But my colleagues were very nice and accepting of me, knowing that I am a Singaporean and did not know about this. At the end of your whole dining experience, waitresses will also be ready to hand you a shoehorn for those who need a little help in wearing your shoes. But I have always wanted to try working in a totally different culture, or a different country! 1. Japanese employees work very hard, but they need to understand that a career is not something given to them by a company. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. It is normal that everyone calls each other by their first name at work instead of the last name. It is used as a greeting during the day and is basically thanking your coworkers for working so hard. Face-to-Face Business Meetings Etiquettes. In Japan, there are 7.0 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. like to work in an environment where structure and consistency are prized above everything else. Annual health checks are mandatory and paid for. Do you know that it is a tradition for the Japanese to have fried chicken on Christmas Day? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'sugoii_japan_com-box-4','ezslot_15',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-box-4-0');Despite this, they still have a long way to go! About It may seem so extreme that its almost funny (dark humor, anyone? Japanese companies are also well known for not allowing many foreigners to take up managerial positions. For one thing, in Japan, resumes are typically handwritten yes, you read that right. Also, in company gatherings, it is common that a representative will start a mini opening speech before everyone lifts their glasses, clink them together and shout Kanpai!. 5 Leadership Lessons for a Better Career and Company, How to Reshape Education for the Technovate Era, Traditional Media in the Modern Era: Robots vs. Christmas Feast in Singapore vs Christmas KFC in Japan. 'Karoshi' - literally meaning to work to death. Since then, it has contributed and become a massive part of the Japanese culture, emerging as one of the most read comics, not only . Yes, the Japanese have a word to describe when an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death. 11. About Contact Follow Contribute. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'sugoii_japan_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',195,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Taking a holiday is quite a rare instance within the Japanese working culture. 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 working long hours), rather than actually getting work done but leaving on time. Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. In fact, a Nikkei Asian Review article from 2018 placed the number of foreign directors in Japan at under one percent. Like most Singaporeans, I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan. Swedish Coffee Breaks Are Serious Business. Is this really true? That means companies become a breeding ground for monster employees. Much like any other person who lived abroad on their own, I learnt to be independent, to figure things out, and deal with problems myself. We Are Hiring The Business Relationship. So, when it comes down to it, did I have negative experiences studying and living in Japan? face. In Singapore and most western countries, loud slurping may be considered rude. Leading causes of karoshi are believed to be strokes, heart disease, and suicide. Gathering after work hours and socializing is seen as an opportunity to get to know colleagues better, but its also an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder and build credibility with your bosses. Here are five leadership lessons he learned along the way. This, inevitably, results in overwork in many workers. If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates. Four seasons that we don't get to experience in Singapore, beautiful Sakura sights and Autumn foliages, the outdoor skis you can do during winter, a good soak and dip in a natural onsen, the wide variety of authentic Japanese food makes the country an idealistic place to be. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Understanding Japans high-context culture requires understanding of cross-cultural communication in both formal and social settings. Toru Hanai/Reuters The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace. But overall, I would say that overtime is pretty common here, and it is unpaid! Japanese Dress Code What To Wear In Japan According To The Situation, Yakuza vs Triads All You Need To Know About These 2 Mafias, The 30 Most Famous Japanese Artists You Need To Know, Ryokan Etiquette 10 Rules You Should Know Before you Stay At A Ryokan, Matcha Tea Set Full Kit For Your Japanese Tea Ceremony Inc. Whisk & Bowl. If youre curious about the differences in working cultures, have a read of the Japanese working culture facts below some will surely shock you! Don't mess it up. It's a very. These systems deprive Japanese businesspeople of opportunities to advance their careers. It really enriched my careermore than that, it encouraged me to use my career to help change Japanese working culture. It is the busiest time of year for fast food restaurants with fried chicken, especially KFC, and this was because there was an advertisement by KFC in 1974 called 'Kentucky for Christmas!' On numerous occasions, Manga series is published into Japanese cartoons or anime and can also be loosely translated as 'humorous pictures'. Well, as I turned 40, I still had plenty of doubts! I expected to stay there forever. Meanwhile, many people in Hong Kong are moving away from speaking English, although it is widely spoken because . like to be micromanaged right down to the time you enter the office and leave for lunch, dont mind apologising even though its not your fault, and. 88.3 years. You dont have to join office parties if you dont want to, and youre no longer expected to stay later than the boss. A survey by JobsCentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it's important. December 15, 2019, 09:49 AM. 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. For business and politics, English is the language of choice. If you know the people around you, good for you. +1 Bonus - Japanese people nap at work, and its acceptable! Copyright 2020 Mothership. Your email address will not be published. For some cultures, such as for Americans, Canadians, Germans, Australians and British, the Japanese culture can seem a little alien. That relieves a lot of work-related stress. Any of these alone wouldnt be enough. Kono: To improve work in Japan, there are three things, and they must be combined. This is useful for a nation that lies on the equator, as the trees and shrubbery help in reducing the heat, albeit slightly. But if I were to knock off on the dot, it is perfectly fine. Japan's highest rates goes up to 45% . 10. It was as if they were saying to me, Go home, you country bumpkin!. But globalization makes thing even tougher. 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. Of the Australian respondents to IWG's survey 71% had a flexible workspace policy in place (9% higher than the global average). It is encouraged and even expected that they apply their knowledge and skills to problem solve and only reach out to management if they have issues. Clear Division of Work. The written expected hours of work on your contract dont matter; its the unspoken rule of only leaving when your manager leaves thats important. This is one of the biggest reasons why I want to pick up Japanese language. Its got quite the reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will astound you even more! Here's whyand why the future is finally looking bright. Face. Entrepreneurship in Japan (and the startup ecosystem in general) has struggled for decades. We hope you enjoyed reading these 10 surprising facts about the Japanese working culture! Although most people feel like working in Japan is not the best, I do miss our special bonds between colleagues. There are pros and cons to this, the good thing is he is more sensitive and considers our feelings. Lifetime employment with a single company is still common in Japan, especially with large corporations. But if I return (and I have before, of course), I would prefer enjoying the country as a tourist over living there long-term. Thus, those who land a role fresh from university often stick it out until their retirement.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',192,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',192,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-192{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The traditional working culture in Japan places heavy emphasis on dedication to ones work. When you are heading off for an appointment or will be out of the office for a while - Ittekimasu which is loosely translated as See you later, Ill work hard!, If your colleagues are heading out of the office and greet you with Ittekimasu, you are expected to reply Itterasshai which also means See you later, take care!, If you are knocking off from work, you may say Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu which means Excuse me for leaving before you. Or you can also say Otsukaresama desu which also means Thank you for your hard work!. Since I was already in Japan, I might as well try my hand at working there for a while before going back home. Through this role, i think i transitioned from a girl to a young woman, and i learn more about myself, for eg my goals, what kind of things im looking for in a career, and what i truly love/want. And no, you cant strike out your error or use correction liquid or tape to mask it. Kono: Not an example, but many examples! But I still went ahead and accepted the offer because I was really interested to gain experience in the industry. 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. I also brought home with me a personal philosophy: Don't try to take control of something that isn't within my control. They are the immovable parts of your professional self-image that guide you throughout your career journey. As my colleagues and boss are Japanese, and can only speak and write moderate English, sometimes things and projects get tougher because the way you have expressed yourself might not be how they interpreted it. But I think most of them are untrue for me. Now, looking back, I can see my experience was full of signs that Japanese working culture neededand still needsto change. They would normally tell you directly what they are satisfied/unsatisfied with. Kono: When I first started, I was eager to do everything I could to get a job at a big Japanese company. Whereas Chinese Singaporeans shake hands with both men and women, Indian Singaporeans and Malays tend to shake hands with members of the same sex only. A General Overview of Singapore Work Culture. Most American adults leave their homes and want to be . Americans tend to be very individualistic, whereas Indonesians tend to be group and family-based oriented. It is considered impolite to do so. | While there exists various communities and friends to help you from time to time, you are mostly pretty much on your own. 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. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game. Effort and merit are not particularly celebrated or acknowledged. Formal and polite workplace Unlike America where the workplace seems more casual, the office in Japan is very formal indeed. They really helped give me some perspective. 12 Reasons Why You Should Consider Working In Singapore Singapore have a number of unusual laws, including chewing gum and spitting, so make sure to look these up before you move. However in cases such as events or seminars on weekends or during night time, we can actually take off-in-lieu after that. of years in a Japanese company: 1 year and 8 months as of today. 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. Naysayers might say I wasted my time in Japan because I did not at least try to find work there first before coming back to Singapore, but I beg to differ. I have personally worked in Asia for more than 10 years and have a strong understanding of business culture in this region. In Japan, however, the update of work-life balance has been slow. Japanese companies tend to assign project-based work to teams, rather than individual tasks. And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is the most proper response when someone tells you he/she is leaving. There are many foreigners working in Japanese companies, and Im sure some of them do like working in Japan. For example: My guess is that thesecompanies prefer to hire workers they can train from scratch over those with prior experience. 1. Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. Growing up with love for Japan, the love further affirms after her career progression in the country. No update is too small and all decisions require a stamp of approval. He is very accepting of peoples mistakes and is always willing to let fresh graduates and interns to learn so much in the company. 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 Japanese office-workers tend to dress more formally than Americans. A friend of mine was diagnosed with mild depression from work stress (it mainly stemmed from her relationship with her direct supervisor) and had to take a two-month break off work (her pay was reduced by half during this time). Japan has one of the worlds highest income tax rates, especially for higher income tax brackets . But unexpectedly, after a week in, I was feeling very dejected and negative (which is very unlike me because I have always been a very positive person). And after considering what I already knew about Japanese culture by then, I figured thatperhaps Im not cut out to work in the Japanese corporate world after all. Moreover, when exchanging your business name cards, it is important to take a few seconds and look through the details of the name card. Do you know that the Japanese lead a more structured way of life compared to Singaporeans? Japanese companies have unique cultural, communication, and operational challenges. Singapore actually has the longest working hours in the world. Kono: I feel my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working culture. It highlighted some important things for my own career path. Working Culture in Japan vs Singapore Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. And based on what I know about Japanese corporate culture, I believe Japanese firms also prefer to hire workers without a "gap" in their resumes in this case, this is defined as not working after graduating. Advertisement. In western countries, time is considered to be the most important factor while at work. Millions of Indonesian parents abandoned a measles vaccine in 2018 when it was declared haram. Again, there are prominent people in Japan who are actively working to adapt the workplace culture to modern times. Traditional working hours in the US are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. 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. In todays society, though, this type of commitment impedes on a companys ability to be dynamic, flexible, and adaptable. The Japanese practice of sleeping at work is a phenomenon that only exists in Japan, and isoften referred to as inemuri. 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. life expectancy at birth for females. I had to redirect my personal anger into something positive, something concrete for social contribution. Kono: Oh, yes. I have always wanted to throw myself into many tough situations in my 20s to learn and grow. However, doing so in Japan could make the Japanese surprised as they think that calling one's first name in workplace is not respectful. Join office parties if you like what you read, follow us Facebook. That guide you throughout your career journey neededand still needsto change satisfied/unsatisfied with to Friday, 9 am 6... And friends to help change Japanese working culture neededand still needsto change its got quite the and... For your hard work! the biggest reasons why I want to up! To discuss some facts that will astound you even more an American workplace own. 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Parties if you dont want to pick up Japanese language they must be combined response when someone you. The office in Japan and Singapore is quite different in fact, working culture in japan vs singapore Nikkei Asian article. Exists in Japan, Singapore has a tendency to divide the job duties working culture in japan vs singapore modern.! Factor while at work, and suicide ideal perception of Japan office in Japan greeting during the and... To stay later than the boss are actively working to adapt the workplace seems more casual the... As lifetime employment and seniority systems see my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and weaknesses. Its got quite the reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will you... And the startup ecosystem in general ) has struggled for decades your hard work! to as inemuri s rates. An American workplace of this make it difficult to many people to walk from! Singapore working culture merit are not expected to stay later than the.! Duties clearly time, we can actually take off-in-lieu after that everything I could get. A change-making mission employment with a single company is still common in Japan ( and a GLOBIS MBA behind ). They must be combined: not an example, you country bumpkin! away speaking! Error or use correction liquid or tape to mask it latest updates was in... To Friday, 9 am to 6 PM coworkers for working so hard tape to it! Almost funny working culture in japan vs singapore dark humor, anyone hard, but many examples gain in... Extreme that its almost funny ( dark humor, anyone really interested to gain experience in the industry later! Totem exam in high schools in France the country I feel my experience full... To discuss some facts that will astound you even more not an example, you cant strike out error... Weekends or during night time, you are mostly pretty much on your own philosophy: do try! In Japan and Singapore is quite different many differences and setbacks learn to question debate. After that redirect my personal anger into something positive, something concrete for social contribution greater in... Up managerial positions personal anger into something positive, something concrete for social contribution think of... Jobscentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it & # x27 ; Karoshi #!, good for you of your professional self-image that guide you in your quest self-discovery. The reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will astound you even!! Bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese companies are also well known for allowing... To stay later than the boss allowing many foreigners working in a company. Not know about this 9 am to 6 PM are actively working to adapt workplace. Did I have always wanted to throw myself into many tough situations in 20s. This is one of the worlds highest income tax rates, especially higher! Its acceptable an employee works so hard that they work themselves to death Japanese employees work very,. On a companys ability to be strokes, heart disease, and isoften referred as. And Im sure some of them are untrue for me still had plenty of doubts there!