In today's fast-paced business world, organizations need to ensure that their employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of their jobs. That is where employee training comes in. Employee training is a critical aspect of human resource management that enables employees to acquire new skills and knowledge, improve their job performance, and contribute to the organization's overall success.
If you are new to working in Japan, you may wonder what kind of employee training you will get. Let's ask the Senpai or the employees who have been working in Japan!
We gather these answers from Tokhimo Review, our company review platform for employees in Japan. Tokhimo Review allows employees to anonymously share their working experiences in some positions or companies, especially regarding foreign employees' support and the international environment.
What types of employee training are provided by companies in Japan?
Let's discover what employee training is possible to get in Japanese companies. Click the link to find more reviews.
Japanese language and culture
If you are not a Japanese native, the language barrier and communication gap can be a huge concern. Japanese companies are aware of this issue; thus, many of them provide language training for foreign employees who are not proficient in Japanese.
These language training programs may include formal classroom instruction, on-the-job training, or language exchange programs, where employees can practice their Japanese with native speakers. There are also many class form options, such as private or group classes and in-house or external language courses.
Here is what the Senpai says about Japanese language training in their companies.
The company offers to pay for your personal Japanese classes. ⮕ Read full review
…there are classes for non-Japanese who would like to learn the local language. ⮕ Read full review
There are many learning sessions offered, not just for Japanese language but also about the cultural differences. ⮕ Read full review
Ya, they gives group study facilities with Japanese teacher to learn Japanese languages and sometimes we gets experience of Japanese culture during any Japanese festival. ⮕ Read full review
Some companies even give language training before the employees come to Japan.
Before going to Japan, they provide Japanese language training which also includes lessons on the Japanese work culture as well as the manners to be observed. You cannot go to Japan unless you manage to pass the interview that includes all of the above. ⮕ Read full review
Before I went to Japan, I was trained for 6 months in the language, including with some of the expectations and such. More than that, we also conducted Japanese study sessions with senior co workers who have a better grasp of Japanese. ⮕ Read full review
Japanese business manners
Employees' etiquette in a professional environment demonstrates the company's values. Therefore, business manners training is necessary to help employees create a positive impression, build relationships, and enhance their professionalism.
Japanese business manners training is given to all employees, whether Japanese or foreign nationals. Japan has a unique business etiquette that reflects its cultural values and traditions, such as bowing, seating arrangement, and giving gifts.
The company has several training that teach Japanese work culture/manners online. ⮕ Read full review
Regarding Japanese business manners, new graduates go through a one-day training session to learn basic manners such as how to give out a business card, how to seat properly, and correct bowing. ⮕ Read full review
There are some basic training about work culture in the company's manual. ⮕ Read full review
…they deliver programs and seminars on Japanese business etiquette and Japanese culture to help communication gaps. ⮕ Read full review
English or other foreign languages
If you are already good at Japanese and want to learn other languages, multinational companies in Japan can be the right place. Some multinational companies use English as their official language and provide language classes.
As English is the official internal language, and even affects promotions or salaries for Japanese staff with lower English levels, there is English tutoring to support improvement, and managers sometimes even have the opportunity to spend time studying English during working hours. ⮕ Read full review
Working in a multinational company means having overseas branches or international partnerships. Therefore, the company may offer their employees foreign language and culture training.
No sure about Japanese work culture/manners, or language training. However, there is training before business abroad for learning other cultures/languages. ⮕ Read full review
Employees in language class
Technical skills training
Technical skills training is essential for employees to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field, improve their performance, and advance in their careers. Technology is constantly evolving, and technical skills training can help employees learn about new technologies and tools and how to use them in their work effectively. Some companies also give online learning access if the employees want to explore new skills.
When you join the company, you got the training about the roles and the technology. ⮕ Read full review
They provided us with one week of initial training which covered both teaching and some cultural awareness. We also had ongoing monthly meetings in my area to help us build our skills. They also provided some online language learning resources. ⮕ Read full review
The company conduct many mandatory training and there are many non mandatory training you can take as well to improve your skills in the field of your interest and gain extra skills. The company has Udemy business subscription for the employees along with seminars and group discussions about certain topics. ⮕ Read full review
There are many trainings going on. You can get Udemy business to learn technologies which you are interested. ⮕ Read full review
Training abroad
Working in Japan doesn't always mean working in Japanese companies. You can also work in foreign companies' subsidiaries in Japan. The absolute perk of working there is that the company can send you abroad for training purposes.
Staff can attend events and training in the U.S. occasionally. ⮕ Read full review
Employees go on a training overseas
Personal training
Many companies recognize that employees come from diverse backgrounds and may have varying levels of experience when they join the workforce. Some take a personal approach, meaning the employee training would be tailored to each employee's needs. Here's an example.
Training is decided on a case by case basis, as most employees have worked at other Japanese companies before joining and are already used to Japanese business culture. After you officially join, you will meet with your manager to discuss what areas, be it manners or language, need improvement, and what steps are required to do so. Usually, this takes the form of online courses that you set aside time during the work day to complete, with costs covered by the company. ⮕ Read full review
Does every company provide employee training?
Unfortunately, not all companies offer employee training, especially for mid-career employees.
You have to figure out Japanese by yourself. ⮕ Read full review
No training. Employees are expected to have native-level Japanese ability. Also, no English training is available for Japanese employees. ⮕ Read full review
Not much training for mid-career staff. ⮕ Read full review
There are also cases where the training provided by the company is not enough.
Received less than a week of training and was thrown into my school from day one. Felt insufficient overall and I had to learn everything by myself through trial and error. ⮕ Read full review
However, you can still learn without official employee training. These reviewers are lucky to have kind coworkers and superiors to teach them. It can be a better way to acquire new skills for some people.
There was no formal culture/manner training, unless your coworkers help you in this regard. ⮕ Read full review
There is not much in terms of global and local training but my manager did personally teach me a lot about Japanese etiquette when speaking with clients and that helped a LOT. ⮕ Read full review
…the best way is to learn from those who are non-Japanese and working in Japan for a long time in this company. If you have such buddies or seniors in your project, you will learn Japanese work culture/manners practically. ⮕ Read full review
Employee training varies among companies in Japan. As it is crucial for personal and company growth, you should consider asking what training you can get during the recruitment. If you are already working in a company but haven't received any training, it's possible to ask them to provide it.
