In early May, the Japanese government downgraded COVID-19 to a low-level infectious disease which has raised questions on what this means for workplaces.
Now that it is safe to return to work, will work environments go ‘back to normal’ or remain forever changed by COVID-19?
One survey with over 10,000 responding companies across Japan found that 40% plan to resume pre-pandemic work styles. Over 50% plan to embrace the new way of working, including remote work flexibility.
What does all of this mean for hiring? It’s important for recruiters to stay in tune with employee priorities. There is a balancing act between the demand for greater flexibility and the need for face-to-face collaboration and the impact both of these things have on workplace culture.
What does the candidate really want?
It is dangerous to assume that all candidates want the same things post-COVID. Collectively, our society has questioned and reevaluated how they spend their time. But that doesn’t mean everyone loves working from home, or that everyone works best in the office team environment. It’s important you take the time to ask the right questions and get a good picture of what your best candidates are after. What is it that will make them leave their current job? What do they value the most?
Say goodbye to karoshi
The traditional Japanese work culture is known for a lack of autonomy, long hours and low job satisfaction. In Japan, we even have a word for ‘death by overwork’ – karoshi.
Younger generations aren’t willing to settle for that and it’s undeniable that the pandemic allowed for a dramatic shift in expectations and priorities. This presents an opportunity for international healthcare companies to position themselves as a modern alternative and competitive option in the bid to attract high quality candidates. Positioning your organization as a leader in ‘work life balance’ might look like offering flexible working hours, remote work, extra paid leave, childcare support, or wellbeing initiatives.
A changed skill set
One thing the pandemic has changed is the skills that are now required from most employees. The divide between those with good and poor technology skills has never been more evident. International healthcare companies need employees who can navigate an increasingly digital world with ease.
Other skills that have become more important with the rise of remote work include independence, communication, time management.
While we are still waiting to see exactly how Japanese workplaces embrace or reject the changes brought about by COVID-19, it is clear there are real opportunities for startups and international healthcare companies to present themselves as the modern alternative. As employees increasingly move away from domestic ‘job for life’ companies, you will be there ready and willing.
When you recruit with Morunda, you get access to the largest database of healthcare workers in Japan. We already know the right candidates to ensure your success. Book a discovery session today.
