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Their valuable company assets
I will absolutely not dismiss you.
2024.02.01
Director and General Manager of the Construction Department
Toshimasa Suzuki
Mr. Suzuki is in charge of supporting the daily lives of Specified Skilled Worker and Technical Intern Trainee from Indonesia. Due to her position, she often receives requests directly from these foreigners and has faced various challenges. We spoke with Mr. Suzuki in detail.
We will raise the overall skill level by having skilled craftsmen train our employees.
How is the work performance of Specified Skilled Worker?
Currently, our company employs more Specified Skilled Worker workers than Technical Intern Trainee. Unlike when Technical Intern Trainee were our main workforce, Specified Skilled Worker have more experience, can read blueprints, and can perform any type of work. They are a valuable asset.
What do you pay attention to when training players?
Naturally, there will be differences in skill levels among individuals. Those with high skill levels are popular with foremen who want to include them on their projects. Conversely, those with lower skill levels don't get called upon, and their growth slows down. Therefore, I ask skilled foremen to take care of and train the younger workers, thereby raising the overall skill level.
"Effort will be rewarded." Make sure they understand that.
What do you do to boost your motivation?
While the primary purpose of Technical Intern Trainee coming to Japan is to acquire skills, those with Specified Skills can earn as much as they want depending on their efforts. We make it clear to them that the company will reward them for their hard work, and conversely, that if they don't work hard, they will remain at the same level, thereby encouraging their motivation.
Are there any problems at work?
Some craftsmen are unfortunately harsh in their scolding or teaching methods. This can sometimes lead to foreign workers saying, "I don't want to go to that site." In those situations, I step in and convey the foreign workers' feelings to the craftsmen. The craftsmen understand that they are in trouble when there is a shortage of manpower, so they are usually understanding.
It's important to acknowledge the requests and then provide a response as a company.
What kinds of requests do you receive from foreigners?
We provide all work tools, but some time ago, there was a request to switch to safety shoes from a well-known manufacturer. However, those shoes are quite expensive. Instead of simply rejecting the request, we gave them the choice of either continuing to provide relatively inexpensive safety shoes as before, only replacing them when they wear out, or switching to a well-known manufacturer's shoes but only providing them once a year. This encourages them to take better care of their belongings.
They've acknowledged the request, but are now setting conditions.
Previously, even something as simple as a measuring tape would be replaced if it broke. However, when we changed the rules to a fixed monthly budget for managing equipment within that limit, people suddenly started to take more care of their tools and use them with more affection.
I can sense that they've put thought into their communication style.
I believe that every job relies on human relationships. Even with foreigners, the most important thing is to listen to them first, and the challenge is creating an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their opinions. If we don't always have a company-wide answer to every request, they won't even bother to offer their opinions. They are valuable assets to the company, so I would never dismiss them.
(Interviewed on September 19, 2023)
