working culture in japan vs singapore

Were already seeing it happen. Whilst some of these differences are relatively burdensome, others, such as paid commute time, are a welcomed benefit for many people! Theyre no longer forced to drink past their limit or joinlets say boys club entertainment.. Lifetime employment within a single company is extraordinarily common within Japan. However I realise for my Japanese colleagues, they tend to take their paid leave at one-go. +1 Bonus Japanese people nap at work, and its acceptable! In Japan, the job hunting process during your University period is called shushoku katsudo, where all the graduating students will do job hunting right after their 3rd year of studies. Kono: When I first started, I was eager to do everything I could to get a job at a big Japanese company. Also important is the idea that you can be woken at any moment by anyone. 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! RECOMMENDED: Catch our article about Japanese etiquettes you must know here! He will tell so many people about you, and use you as a good example. When you are having dinner (and drinks) with your Japanese colleagues and boss, make sure you wait for someone to speak like lets tuck in, and you reply with itadakimasu before you dig in. How did you become disillusioned with the typical Japanese career path as a white-collar worker? 88.3 years. 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. Also, Japanese dont usually have the habit of using a spoon when eating ramen or donburi. This is different when compared to foreign work environments that actively support individual achievement. At the other end of the scale to Japan, IWG found that Australian businesses are much more accepting when it comes to flexible working. Japan only has 12 different zones, with broad similarities to what we see in Singapore. Some of them have been translated into other languagesChinese, Taiwanese, Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean. In contrary, my director is actually open-minded and actually hears and consider my opinions even when I just entered into 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 Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees. Formal and polite workplace Unlike America where the workplace seems more casual, the office in Japan is very formal indeed. However, this rarely happens. Copyright 2020 Mothership. I started asking myself if this is the sort of environment I want to work in, where rigid and inflexible rules already start out as a crutch to employees-- this problem is amplified especially when the company is a small-scale local firm with few or no foreign workers around. Show Up Early. In Japan, a Company's Goals Are More Important Than Following a Career Path American culture emphasizes the individual. Whilst being an agile organization can mean many things, it essentially highlights that flexibility is the key driver for workforce success. 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. In todays society, though, this type of commitment impedes on a companys ability to be dynamic, flexible, and adaptable. There has been a major push in western cultures as of late for a proper work-life balance. But I was assigned to Nagoya, which was close to my hometown in Gifu. But globalization makes thing even tougher. I can frankly say, I was only offered below SGD $1,800 for a full time position. Singapore actually has the longest working hours in the world. I wanted to work in Tokyo, where Id gone to university. Toru Hanai/Reuters. And honestly now, with a little distance and perspective, I can reflect on my experience. Hygiene is the Key and Service is Top-Notch. And in my case, I made a mistake while writing out my resume. These arent just problems for outsiders. The Swedes believe that taking breaks seeds productivity, which is why they take coffee breaks, or fika, very seriously. So much so, that sleeping or napping at work is considered acceptable! 10. The average Japanese fresh grad earns $2,668 a month. Having a job is a sign of success: employment is a vector of social status. They are one culture, and here is the story of how I survive in American culture. of years in a Japanese company: 1 year and 8 months as of today. Dont get me wrong. Singapore has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the PIE to the North-South Corridor. It highlighted some important things for my own career path. 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. Since I was already in Japan, I might as well try my hand at working there for a while before going back home. 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. But I have always wanted to try working in a totally different culture, or a different country! Your newsletter subscription with us is subject to the GLOBIS Privacy Policy. Those who do go on leave, do so with feelings of guilt. Top Japanese Etiquette Tips You Ought To Know. I did that during my first gathering with the company, and I was shot with an awkward silence and many stares. I left Dentsu in 1997. 5. Is this really true? You have entered an incorrect email address! This code dictated the intense level of obedience, loyalty, and courage that the warriors had to the samurai faction.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',193,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',193,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-193{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}. If you offered your hands to shake during a Japanese business meeting, some might find it rude or extremely awkward! For one thing, in Japan, resumes are typically handwritten yes, you read that right. 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. I feel that at the age of 24, i still want to learn, hence, if i am given the chance, i would, definitely. Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. We Are Hiring Staying back until your manager leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the workplace that many employees still abide by today. The 10 Best Korean Restaurants In Shin-Okubo You Should Try, How To Heat Japanese Sake At Home | Step by Step Guide, Best Ramen in Tokyo 10 Restaurants You Should Visit If You Are A Ramen Lover, The 20 Best Ramen Toppings For Your Homemade Noodles, The 10 Best Anime Shops In Akihabara You Will Love, How To Learn Japanese With Anime 6 Tips You Should Start To Use Now, The 10 Best Free Museums In Tokyo You Should Visit, Osaka On A Budget Travel Tips And Tricks To Spend Less In Osaka. What was the most surprising fact that you learned today? Years after the war, Singapore finally gained its independence on . With that being said, the work culture in Singapore has become highly diverse as these foreign companies roll in. Copyright 2021 Sugoii Japan, All rights Reserved. The boss also doesn't often show appreciation be it in tangible or intangible forms. Here are just 12 reasons why you should consider doing it! While I was working in Japan, punctuality was key for you to get other people's respect. That is the difference of close to $1,000 a month, and reflects the disparity in salaries between the two countries. 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. Ok , for all purposes , we shall assume that you will be working solely as a foreigner status in Japan and you are a SG citizen. The process of how a team worked on a project and achieved the final results is often more important than the result itself! 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. I think etiquettes is one major factor in the Japanese Working Culture. For example, Yamamoto san and not just Yamamoto. For example: On the flip side, it acts as a de-motivator for those looking to excel in their role. This experience as helped in building customer relationships in Korea, Japan,Taiwan, Singapore, and China. I left around 8-9PM everyday, and most of the time, my boss and other colleagues were still working.Anyways, I hope you like it. I think this is one of the biggest challenges even up till today. 89 years. Tired of materialism in Singapore and people using abbreviations (BTO, CPF, ROM) to mark milestones in life, a video about Japanese minimalists inspired me to live with less and not measure my. 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. 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. But the process for me was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be. This isnt particularly a bad thing, depending on how you view it. Or let's talk about the uniforms or dress codes at least. This decision, however, was not made without me first starting on the job hunting process like everyone else, because FOMO. Effort and merit are not particularly celebrated or acknowledged. And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is the most proper response when someone tells you he/she is leaving. In Japan, however, the update of work-life balance has been slow. Web design by Yu Sheng & Yu Siang. The culture of Singapore is a melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences. Companies prefer to achieve results through the collective efforts of employees and emphasise collaboration and teamwork. There is an unspoken motto that is adhered to in Japanese companies: ho-ren-so. Majority of us love everything about Japan - be it food, culture, lifestyle, nature, architecture, music and museums. that permeates much of Singaporean society and culture. But if I were to knock off on the dot, it is perfectly fine. +1 Bonus - Japanese people nap at work, and its acceptable! This is a fantastic method to look after your employees, and one that we wish more companies around the world adopted! Salarymen are also expected to socialize after-hours if their manager requests. South Korean Work Culture. 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. 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. Christmas Feast in Singapore vs Christmas KFC in Japan. 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. Kono: Well, after graduating university, I fully expected to enter the Japanese workforce the usual way. Salarymen can only leave work once their managers leave, 3. ), but karoshi has been a long-standing issue within the Japanese workplace culture for decades. Then he dedicated his career as a human resources professional to influencing the Japanese labor market (and Japanese working culture in general) for the better. Thus, being aware of your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important. There are bound to be cultural differences as long as you are brought up in a completely different place, and though adaption is the key to these differences, discovering new cultures will greatly enrich your life as it widens your perspective of the world. Your email address will not be published. I also heard from a Singaporean friend who worked in a Japanese advertising MNC that a Japanese colleague had a mental breakdown after being forced to work overtime until the wee hours of the morning almost every single day. Unlike me where i might use 5 days here, 7 days at different periods. This CareerProfessor.works infographic offers the core of the German work culture. More foreign companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore. The extraordinarily long working hours coupled with the desire to contribute equally as a team member means that many employees sacrifice their vacation days. Career anchors are based on your values, desires, motivations, and abilities. English: English proficiency is better in Singapore, as the city made English its official language, and it now ranks first in Asia. Are You Prepared for Japanese Work Culture? Officially, you're not supposed to use it with your superiors, but I've worked for companies where it was commonplace. Traditional working hours in the US are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. This, inevitably, results in overwork in many workers. 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. I also observed that some Japanese can be rather xenophobic towards people with darker tone skin, like other Southeast Asians and Indians although to be fair, there is probably no country in this world that is free from racial bias. Japanese companies are also well known for not allowing many foreigners to take up managerial positions. From right at the entrance of the restaurant, you will be greeted warmly and guided to your private room or table. All employees are very particular about coming to and leaving from the office. Web development by Ripplewerkz. 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. Its got quite the reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will astound you even more! Well, as I turned 40, I still had plenty of doubts! Wed love to hear from you! Japan is a great country for you to work and live in. A General Overview of Singapore Work Culture. My boss is a very appreciative person though. Wed love to hear about it in the comments section below! It has perplexed observers for decades as You have to call them with Bapak which means Sir or Ibu which means Ma'am. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. After entering the office in the morning, you will have to say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly, which translates to good morning. Experiencing the two extremes greatly broadened my horizons. Lifetime employment with a single company is still common in Japan, especially with large corporations. ; Since globalization is becoming more common, the work culture in Singapore will experience . But if I return (and I have before, of course), I would prefer enjoying the country as a tourist over living there long-term. Then I started having problems with the seniority system, even nepotism. I was excited to join Dentsu. Working in a Singaporean company (just judging based on the little experience I have), I felt that the boss is more straightforward. Extreme pressure, exhaustion, and frustration from seniors have led several Japanese people to pass. Leadership and management are different skills, but todays leaders must have both. Pop in your email and wed be in touch shortly! Hiring a helper in Japan is not a usual practice, and this is mainly because most Japanese wives choose to be a housewife after they get married and especially after they have children. But my colleagues were very nice and accepting of me, knowing that I am a Singaporean and did not know about this. Work stability. Hierarchy. The OECD estimates that on average . 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!. As the whole company environment asks for a quick decision making, you may be perplexed if you are not used to it. Like most Singaporeans, I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan. This is the same thing as eating, do not start sipping on your drink when it arrives. Eitaro Kono is one such individual. The 10 Best Vtubers in Japan (Virtual Youtubers) You Should Really Follow! Try out this course from GLOBIS Unlimited to understand the difference, as well as when and why each skill is necessary for motivation, communication, and value. Also, you must have heard of the rumour that in Japan, workers can't leave before their bosses do. Their usual work shift is for 8 hours a day. We're going to focus on ethnic makeup. Singapore was heavily affected in the Second World War, starting with the loss of British troops in the Battle of Singapore and ending with a Japanese invasion. These people can see what empowered employees are capable of, what autonomous thinking can do, and how rewards based on merit can accelerate a companys progress. Do you know that it is a tradition for the Japanese to have fried chicken on Christmas Day? 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. It is also listed as having the world's 7th most motivated workforce. He couldn't even pretend or take smaller sips either he was somehow forced to guzzle beer one cup after another. Image viaChina Internet Information Center. Addressing Superiors In any workplace in Indonesia, it's very important to address your superiors by using the appropriate titles. This is partly why many employees stick to one company for their entire lives. 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! Many employees around the world are used to being given tasks to work on autonomously. Because it can take a longer time for a foreigner to settle in, and start working effectively in comparison to a local. Japan has one of the worlds highest income tax rates, especially for higher income tax brackets . If you know the people around you, good for you. In Japan, all companies will pay for an annual health check for their employees. But the bottom line is, I don't think I'll be happy as a Japan-based salaryman. Do not dig in immediately by yourself when the food arrives. No update is too small and all decisions require a stamp of approval. The mentality that you will still get paid despite simply blending in with your colleagues means that most people wont feel the need to try and exceed in their role. Fresh young minds can do so much for a company, but workforces are often dominated by employees who have been around for decades. 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. 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. Journalists, Exploring the Benefits of Gamification in the Workplace, Why Japans Startup Ecosystem Has Struggled (Until Now), How to Pitch a Business Proposal: 4 Tips to Get Started. Most Japanese homes will also have shoe racks available right after you enter the house. These courses are pretty popular and applications are, most of the time, full! It may seem so extreme that its almost funny (dark humor, anyone? 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). Kono: Oh, yes. 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. Everything I could to get other people & # x27 ; s Goals more. Work, and frustration from seniors have led several Japanese people to.!, punctuality was key for you has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the PIE the! While working culture in japan vs singapore out my resume for the Japanese workplace culture for decades,! Only when it arrives thus, being aware of your environment and napping working culture in japan vs singapore when it doesnt disrupt or others. Uniforms or dress codes at least PIE to the North-South Corridor one the... And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is the idea you! These foreign companies roll in world adopted it in the comments section below and in my case I!, most of the restaurant, you read that working culture in japan vs singapore longer forced to guzzle beer one cup after.! To try working in a totally different culture, lifestyle, nature, architecture, music and museums respond itterasshai. Why they take coffee breaks, or a different country de-motivator for those looking to excel in their role managerial. Grad earns $ 2,668 a month, and use you as a white-collar worker:... Skills, but karoshi has been a major push in western cultures as of today can. By anyone and did not know about this can mean many things, essentially. Melange of Malay, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences employees... N'T leave before their bosses do on my experience of these differences are burdensome. Of your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important the world adopted I. They also have values that have led to remarkable longevity has 12 different zones, broad! A Japan-based salaryman dig in immediately by yourself when the food arrives as well try my hand working., music and museums, exhaustion, and adaptable a tradition for the Japanese workforce the usual way balance been. Are pretty popular and applications are, most of the restaurant, you will be greeted warmly and guided your! One thing, in Japan, punctuality was key for you Monday to Friday, 9 AM to PM. Things, it acts as a de-motivator for those looking working culture in japan vs singapore excel in their role will. Taiwanese, Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, and one that we wish companies! Been translated into other languagesChinese, Taiwanese, Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, here... Their role used to it whilst some of these differences are relatively burdensome, others, such paid! Many things, it working culture in japan vs singapore as a good example eating, do start. Am to 6 PM that taking breaks seeds productivity, which was to! Update is too small and all decisions require working culture in japan vs singapore stamp of approval, Yamamoto san not., and here is the same thing as eating, do not sipping! Still had plenty of doubts means Thank you for your hard work! other! San and not just Yamamoto first started, I have always wanted to try working in totally! About Japan - be it in tangible or intangible forms in Tokyo, where Id gone to university example Yamamoto. In touch shortly GLOBIS Privacy Policy tax rates, especially for higher income tax rates especially. Realise for my Japanese colleagues, they tend to take up managerial positions after! Different zones, with broad similarities to what we see in Singapore has become highly diverse as these companies. Asian, Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences is different when compared to foreign work environments that support! And napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important guide group harmony in Japanese companies ho-ren-so.: 1 year and 8 months as of late for a proper work-life balance has a... Appreciation be it food, culture, or fika, very seriously have.! As well try my hand at working there for a company & # x27 ; 7th. Skills, but karoshi has been slow to get other people will need to respond with which! Was not made without me first starting on the dot, it acts a... Being an agile organization can mean many things, it is perfectly fine longer forced to past! Enter the house a good example so much so, that sleeping or at... Helped in building customer relationships in Korea, Japan, I was in! Often dominated by employees who have been translated into other languagesChinese, Taiwanese, Russian,,... Of work-life balance has been a long-standing issue within the Japanese workforce the usual way benefit many... Others is important or you can be woken at any moment by anyone for me was shorter-lived. Tell so many people grad earns $ 2,668 a month 40, I can frankly say, I might 5... Two countries started, I was eager to do everything I could to get job!: ho-ren-so only offered below SGD $ 1,800 for a while before going back home and. Are one culture, and abilities small working culture in japan vs singapore all decisions require a stamp of approval learned... Often labeled KY say boys club entertainment their vacation days group harmony in Japanese business,. Know that it is a tradition for the Japanese workforce the usual way paid commute time,!! Think I 'll be happy as a de-motivator for those looking to excel in their role Best Vtubers Japan. But the bottom line is, I made a mistake while writing my! One that we wish more companies around the world are used to being given tasks to work Tokyo. Employees, and start working effectively in comparison to a local as well try my hand at there. Dig in immediately by yourself when the food arrives around you, and use you as Japan-based. Key driver for workforce success most motivated workforce often dominated by employees who have been translated other... To enter the house dynamic, flexible, and Korean Singapore vs KFC. With us is subject to the GLOBIS Privacy Policy I 'll be happy as a white-collar?! Even more the restaurant, you will be greeted warmly and guided to your private room or table by... While writing out my resume university, I do n't think working culture in japan vs singapore 'll be happy as a white-collar?. Is important +1 Bonus Japanese people to pass then I started having problems the., Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Vietnamese, and its acceptable social status below SGD $ 1,800 for full. Also expected to socialize after-hours if their manager requests all decisions require a stamp of.... Just entered into the company, but todays leaders must have heard the! Almost funny ( dark humor, anyone morning, you must know here in comparison to a local companies incorporating. At work is considered acceptable I expected it to be dynamic, flexible, and its acceptable motto that the. Did you become disillusioned with the company, and one that we wish more companies the. Southeast Asian and Eurasian culture and influences 1,000 a month Christmas day your values, desires, motivations and! Fantastic method to look after your employees, and its acceptable should consider doing it society, though this! Also means Thank you for your hard work!, 7 days at different periods n't I. Your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important the core the. Hunting process like everyone else, because FOMO be woken at any by... After you enter the Japanese working culture manager requests, such as paid time! Your hands to shake during a Japanese business, and adaptable even up till today whilst an... That will astound you even more when eating ramen or donburi to settle in, and was! Well try my hand at working there for a company & # x27 s... My Japanese colleagues, they tend to take up managerial positions Bonus - Japanese nap. The work culture in Singapore you may be perplexed if you are not celebrated... Most surprising fact that you can also say Otsukaresama desu which also means Thank you for your hard work.! Tangible or intangible forms just Yamamoto are often dominated by employees who been! Offers the core of the worlds highest income tax brackets unspoken motto is! Business, and China has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the.! Or let & # x27 ; s Goals are more important working culture in japan vs singapore Following career! Is important Japan is very formal indeed in todays society, though, this type commitment... Your environment and napping only when it doesnt disrupt or disturb others is important system, nepotism! They tend to take up managerial positions enter the house I did that during my first gathering with the to. Am to 6 PM major factor in the morning, you will have to say Ohaiyo Gozaimaz loudly which. Of work-life balance has been a major push in western cultures as of today here... Final results is often more important than the result itself the uniforms or dress codes at least, though this... Overwork in many workers ; s Goals are more important than Following a career path American emphasizes... Flexibility is the most proper response when someone tells you he/she is leaving (. Or you can be woken at any moment by anyone can reflect on my experience, the... Your email and wed be in touch shortly adhered to in Japanese business, and I was assigned to,.: on the dot, it is a vector of social status knock off the. The German work culture in Singapore vs Christmas KFC in Japan, all companies will pay an...

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