If a person is working in another country before they come to Japan, they may find the Japanese workculture to be very different than what they are used to. In many countries, 8 hours a day is the normal workday. However, in Japan, 12 or more hours is the norm.
Along with that, they may work 6 days a week, instead of 5. Employees in Japan are dedicated to their job and the company they are working for. With this, a person would have more benefits because the jobs want to keep their employees. They also will give more recognition to their hardworking employees.
Foodie, Traveler, MBA degree holder, Amateur writer
L. Laurel, Assistant Manager, MBA (Marketing), California
Answered Jan 02, 2020
If you are used to the work culture in Western Countries, you may become a bit shocked by the work culture in Japan. A lot of the Japanese are known to be hard workers. They feel that it is an honor when they are able to spend more hours at work. They try to make sure that they are always productive because they do not want to waste any time.
Politeness is one of the main things that are expected from the employees in Japan. You need to be polite with your workmates and your boss. You are also expected to work with different people in order to reach a common goal. In Western countries, you are motivated by your will to do work. In Japan, you will be motivated by the goal that you will have as a group.
One rationale for the many hours worked by the Japanese is that their work culture is rooted in superiority. The amount of time people work often decides their opportunity with the companies they work for and affords them a comfortable lifestyle for their families. Japanese desks are organized in an accessible way in which they are grouped together in teams of co-workers.
Each unit has a team leader, and the head is responsible for sketching the day’s work in a morning meeting. There are two meetings each day in a Japanese office. There is one meeting held by senior staff members, and then a smaller meeting for each group led by its leader. Japanese offices are very loud. The noise is the result of the structure in the office and Japanese management’s feelings concerning teamwork and cooperating.
The Japanese working environment may be very much different from what you are used to. For example, companies may say that you need to work 8 hours a day, but in Japan, it is normal that you are going to spend about 12 hours in the office. The employees are known to be devoted and loyal to the company that they are working for. Those who are working for large companies can get a lot of benefits because they want to keep the best employees with them.
Employees will feel more inspired to work because they will be given the recognition that they deserve. Small firms usually work harder because they have 6-day workdays instead of 5. Workers who are often absent or call in sick are usually considered to be unacceptable and will not last long in a company.