![Visionista [JAC Specified Skills Introduction Case Studies: Visionista]](/common/img/logo_visionista_w.svg){kind=logo}
![Visionista [JAC Specified Skills Introduction Case Studies: Visionista]](/common/img/logo_visionista_b.svg){kind=logo}
With sufficient support
They can fully utilize their abilities.
2024.02.01
Section Chief, Management Department, YAMACON CO.,LTD.
Aguri Yumoto
Mr. Yumoto is in charge of all aspects of work related to foreign workers, from interviews with Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Trainee to immigration procedures, life guidance, and consultation services. We asked her about her thoughts and feelings as someone who is always there to support them.
Someone who can bring a breath of fresh air to a workplace where values have become entrenched.
What is your impression of Vietnamese people, Mr. Yumoto?
Of course, there are differences from person to person, but personally, I have the impression that there are many very talented people. They are basically hardworking and diligent, and above all, they have a strong hunger for success. Just the fact that they have come to a different country and are working hard is amazing, so there is a lot to learn from them.
Has the arrival of the new employee brought about any changes in the workplace?
Workplaces are places where the same people work together in groups, so values tend to become fixed. They can resist change and sometimes even create an exclusive atmosphere. When people from different cultures and with different languages join such an environment, the benefits of diversity are significant. It's truly wonderful to have a breath of fresh air.
What do you look for when hiring?
During interviews, I try to ascertain how much the candidate wants to work in Japan and how enthusiastic they are about the job. I also look for their willingness to learn Japanese. In my experience, people who are proficient in Japanese tend to grow faster at work. They can communicate with a variety of people, allowing them to absorb knowledge and skills in diverse situations. Ideally, I'd like someone who has already started studying Japanese by the time of the interview.
First, I'll ask a senior from the same country to help me with things like interpreting.
What kind of strategies do you employ in terms of player development?
The basic training method is on-the-job training (OJT). Our system is designed so that new employees are assigned as the third person to a site that is typically run by two. They are also always accompanied by a Vietnamese senior colleague to provide communication support. This period lasts about a month, and once they've settled in, they are allowed to work on-site with only Japanese colleagues.
What else do you pay attention to?
We make sure to clearly explain the salary system. Vietnamese people seem to have a custom of sharing information about their salaries, so for example, if there is a senior and a junior employee, and the junior employee is paid more than the senior employee, the senior employee will lose motivation unless the reason is clear. It is important not to simply say that it is based on performance evaluation, but to show what has been done well and what has not, so that they can understand and accept it.
Because there are few people I can rely on, I want to support them as much as I can.
What are some things you do to improve communication?
I interact with Vietnamese people with an understanding of their culture and history. In particular, if you don't understand the differences in customs, you can be surprised in various situations. Once, we went to the pool together in the summer, and he tried to go in wearing only his underwear instead of swim trunks. When I pointed it out, he laughed confidently and said, "It's fine, I can do it in my underwear."
Do you have any expectations of them?
Many of them are extremely diligent, so with adequate support, I believe they will become a great asset to the company in the future. Conversely, if they don't receive enough support, there's a risk that more of them will drop out along the way. They don't have anyone around them they can rely on when something goes wrong. I want to support them as much as possible so that they can fully utilize the abilities they possess.
(Interviewed on May 24, 2023)
