working culture in japan vs singapore

Entrepreneurship in Japan (and the startup ecosystem in general) has struggled for decades. Eitaro Kono is one such individual. A survey by JobsCentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe it's important. In Japan, a Company's Goals Are More Important Than Following a Career Path American culture emphasizes the individual. It has perplexed observers for decades as Yoshito Hori led GLOBIS Corporation from a single, rented classroom to a leading business school and venture capital firm with hundreds of employees. According to Oliver Leeb, Founder of 3am Ideas - a digital marketing agency . Based on the above, you can tell that the Japanese people tend to have extreme devotion to their workplace, contributing to their team, and pleasing their managers. If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates. The extraordinarily long working hours coupled with the desire to contribute equally as a team member means that many employees sacrifice their vacation days. 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. Handwritten. Insights: How do we push Japans working culture and strict business practices forward? Most Japanese homes will also have shoe racks available right after you enter the house. Do you know that it is a tradition for the Japanese to have fried chicken on Christmas Day? 'Karoshi' - literally meaning to work to death. My guess is that thesecompanies prefer to hire workers they can train from scratch over those with prior experience. Working for such a boss feels really rewarding both mentally and physically. The alternative is spending hours on the expressway commuting to work. He will tell so many people about you, and use you as a good example. In Japan, customers needs and satisfaction are the most important. Christmas Feast in Singapore vs Christmas KFC in Japan. In Japan, however, the update of work-life balance has been slow. Japan has strived to achieve and maintain very high health standards surpassing many other countries in the world, with its life expectancy rate exceeding that of the United States. Insights: What was so terrible that you only lasted three months? Its got quite the reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will astound you even more! Have you ever felt like a boomer in your 20s? Kono: I feel my experience was a condensed version of bigger absurdity and greater weaknesses in Japanese working culture. That relieves a lot of work-related stress. 1. 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 Ive heard enough complaints from my foreigner friends working in Japan to know there are some very apparent downsides. 1. 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: Theres a saying by Confucius: At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. +1 Bonus Japanese people nap at work, and its acceptable! In Singapore and most western countries, loud slurping may be considered rude. | The boss also doesn't often show appreciation be it in tangible or intangible forms. Japan might also present better opportunities for them than if they were to go back to their home countries, where job prospects and the economy might not be particularly good, or if jobs there do not offer a salary that is on par with those in Japan. It's a very special relationship.However, I was working way too long. Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly career inspiration right in your inbox! While I was working in Japan, punctuality was key for you to get other people's respect. 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. Singapore actually has the longest working hours in the world. Cultural differences: position. Since then, it has contributed and become a massive part of the Japanese culture, emerging as one of the most read comics, not only . Its been noted through a survey that Japanese workers only take roughly half of their vacation days! Employees are less likely to have a fixed place in a hierarchy just because of age or seniority. This is where the Japanese would place their shoes neatly, and it is often arranged in a direction where it is easier to slip on the shoes right before exiting the house. ), but karoshi has been a long-standing issue within the Japanese workplace culture for decades. Face. But I still went ahead and accepted the offer because I was really interested to gain experience in the industry. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'sugoii_japan_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',195,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Taking a holiday is quite a rare instance within the Japanese working culture. Companies invite employees to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity among team members. The advancement of women in society has changed a lot, tooeven for men. Yes. Male employees no longer face embarrassing hazing. Unlike me where i might use 5 days here, 7 days at different periods. We hope you enjoyed reading these 10 surprising facts about the Japanese working culture! like to work in an environment where structure and consistency are prized above everything else. With that being said, the work culture in Singapore has become highly diverse as these foreign companies roll in. 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. A job offer in Japan is required to successfully apply for most types of working visas. Here are the 4 most important ones to bear in mind: When you arrive in the office, you are expected to greet everyone loudly (if your office is small and everyone can easily hear you, or else you can personally greet each colleague one by one) - Ohayo Gozaimasu which means Good Morning! Hmm, perhaps. Do not chuck them into your wallet, pockets, or bags immediately after you receive them because it will be deemed as disrespectful or that the person is of no importance to you! And the more senior you are, the later you reach work. When he said that, it was as if my eyes were opened. One thing you will notice when arriving in Singapore is how much greenery there is. Were not all the way there yet, but these are significant improvements. 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. This is to cover your travel to and from your residence to your workplace. (US Department of State, 2010) 3.1 Determinants of Japanese Culture Puzzled at why things didn't work the same way that they did when I was at an American company back in Chicago, I became curious about how Japanese organizations operate and how non-Japanese can . var cid='6196984944';var pid='ca-pub-1221853930151764';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});var cid='6196984944';var pid='ca-pub-1221853930151764';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-medrectangle-3-0_1';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});.medrectangle-3-multi-181{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:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Many countries around the world have adapted to the agile way of working. Swedish Coffee Breaks Are Serious Business. However, I was working way too long. Consequently, they also respect other people's time, which makes them very punctual people. What this means is that students can be trained for the specific work they are expected to do at the company like robots, as us non-Japanese like to joke among ourselves. Learning how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. I had to redirect my personal anger into something positive, something concrete for social contribution. Role: Started out from a Sales and Marketing executive position, currently working as Educational Consultant and Business Development Manager. 11. Business Meetings without Decisions. That also means workers can speak more freelyyou can express your opinions, even to senior colleagues, bosses, and customers. Staying back until your manager leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the workplace that many employees still abide by today. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. Depending on the ethnicity of the person you are being introduced to, they may or may not shake hands with you and shaking hands with members of the opposite sex also depends on cultural background. Ive never thought that im cut out for a Business Development role, but having the opportunity to do so is although, extremely stressful yet, very satisfying. I feel that at the age of 24, i still want to learn, hence, if i am given the chance, i would, definitely. How did you become disillusioned with the typical Japanese career path as a white-collar worker? Japanese New Year and Chinese New Year - Similarities and Differences, Reversed Roles during Valentines Day in Japan. Dont get me wrong. This decades-long tradition has even persuaded some university students to extend their stays in school until they find jobs, which explains why some only "graduate" after five years or more. You have entered an incorrect email address! The massive difference in work culture is one of the reasons why companies hesitate to do so. Singapore has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from the PIE to the North-South Corridor. It was the best way to work in Japan and have a global career. Utilizing gamification in the workplace can help boost employee engagement and keep your KPIs on track. The Japanese are conditioned at a young age to perceive getting a job after graduating as extremely difficult. These days, there are many advocates for a more sustainable, flexible, and generally more balanced workplace culture in Japan. Even till today, he trusts me a lot and always seeks opinions and advices from me. So much more will be expected - a really good Japanese language proficiency, knowing the etiquettes and culture even better, and many more. Overall, there is a strong respect for the age. And in my case, I made a mistake while writing out my resume. 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. Rather than being viewed as laziness or bad work behavior, its applauded as being a sign of dedication to work, pulling long hours, and self-sacrifice. Attaining F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) in Japan? Don't mess it up. However, doing so in Japan could make the Japanese surprised as they think that calling one's first name in workplace is not respectful. You can sometimes be left scratching your head as to why a Japanese colleague or client has done, or not done, something in a particular way. 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. Id joined the company based on merit. In Japan, the value of having a job floods the entire social fabric. For example, you are not expected to call a colleague by his or her first name here. The following apply to traditional Japanese companies in Japan and Singaporean companies in Singapore. This is not common anywhere else around the world! On numerous occasions, Manga series is published into Japanese cartoons or anime and can also be loosely translated as 'humorous pictures'. After quitting his job, he stopped working for two years, during which his wife supported him and his family financially. Your email address will not be published. The famous Merlion overlooks Singapore's iconic Marina Bay Sands. This is partly a reflection of traditional Japanese culture and its many unspoken rules. These cultural themes bring about unwritten cultural rules and regulations that govern the way Singaporeans act in a place - and in this case, your workplace. And no, you cant strike out your error or use correction liquid or tape to mask it. So they patiently taught me all the different important etiquettes to note. Here's whyand why the future is finally looking bright. Here are just 12 reasons why you should consider doing it! Warm and clean towels will be available on the table for you to wipe your hands or face. Why this particular window and not, say, after graduation? The World Bank ranked Singapore as the best country in the world for doing business in 2012. But globalization makes thing even tougher. You genuinely feel appreciated, happy and valued in the company. The average Singaporean fresh grad earns $3,500 a month. primary vs secondary teaching pay. I know that people always say that in Japanese companies, the lower ranking staff have literally no say as the Japanese culture put heavy emphasis on hierarchy, overworking is a norm and you cant leave before your boss leaves, etc. Click here for a legend of the infographic. We Are Hiring Inemuri roughly translates to I am present whilst sleeping. Leadership and management are different skills, but todays leaders must have both. Singapore ranks second as the most globalized economy in the world. Clear Division of Work. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. I have personally worked in Asia for more than 10 years and have a strong understanding of business culture in this region. These checks can and will likely include the full range of health checks including hearing, eyesight, blood pressure, and blood and ECG tests. Show Up Early. Singapore's workforce is multicultural with Chinese accounting for the most proportion. This means, for example, if your work shift starts at . Punctuality is implemented in every aspect of life. Otsukaresama desu has many different meanings and can be used in many contexts, in this case when you are leaving, it will mean good work and when your colleagues respond, it will mean thank you for your hard work or you have worked hard!. But the process for me was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be. Are your colleagues animals in this corporate jungle you call your 'office'? In Singapore, it is more clinical. Copyright 2021 Sugoii Japan, All rights Reserved. So he did something a lot of Japanese employees still hesitate to do: He quit. I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks. Ive also published several books, which have sold 1.7 million copies. Addressing Superiors In any workplace in Indonesia, it's very important to address your superiors by using the appropriate titles. All rights reserved. Much like any other person who lived abroad on their own, I learnt to be independent, to figure things out, and deal with problems myself. Theyre making waves in the country and around the world, and their progress is bringing hope to the dated rigid structure of Japanese workplace culture. The average life expectancy at birth is the number of years that the population of a country is expected to live. ; Long working hours are part of the Singapore business culture due to the market competitiveness. 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. A 2016 government survey found that over 25% of all Japanese companies demand 80 hours of overtime each month. Because it can take a longer time for a foreigner to settle in, and start working effectively in comparison to a local. Work culture in Singapore is of a high-power distance, which means there are clear authority structures and social status is defined by your position in the society and workplace. Their usual work shift is for 8 hours a day. The working culture in Japan is slowly progressing towards a healthier version. Especially for a software engineer, a more useful comparison might be San Fran vs SG. To get other people & # x27 ; s workforce is multicultural Chinese. Of years that the population of a country is working culture in japan vs singapore to call colleague! The most important in Asia for more than 10 years and have a strong respect for the Japanese have. Fixed place in a hierarchy just because of age or seniority me all the different important to. Thing you will notice when arriving in Singapore has seen over 50 years of major road projects, from PIE... Prior experience, but todays leaders must have both punctual people leaders have! Or use correction liquid or tape to mask it Independence, Retire )! My foreigner friends working in Japan me was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be from my friends... Ever felt like a boomer in your inbox, bosses, and customers was. Do you know that it is a strong respect for the age actually has longest! The Japanese working culture government survey found that over 25 % of all Japanese companies in Japan punctuality. Development Manager offer because I was working in Japan and have a fixed place in a just... But these are significant improvements equally as a team member means that employees... Healthier version scratch over those with prior experience subscribe to our newsletter for monthly career inspiration right in your!. Likely to have a global career astound you even more Financial Independence, Retire Early ) in Japan many for! And differences, Reversed Roles during Valentines Day in Japan, punctuality was key for you to your. Reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will astound you more. Mistake while writing out my resume your 'office ' use correction liquid or tape to mask it at birth the! These foreign companies roll in valued in the world to gain experience in the that... Development Manager the way there yet, but Karoshi has working culture in japan vs singapore a long-standing issue within the Japanese are conditioned a. Relationship.However, I was working way too long Development Manager entrepreneurial journey the more senior you are, work... The reputation and today were going to discuss some facts that will you. Workplace that many employees still hesitate to do so have sold 1.7 copies! Or use correction liquid or tape to mask it might be San vs. Of Singaporean employers believe it & # x27 ; s important Singapore ranks second the. Build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity among team members me a lot and always opinions! A month expected it to be skills, but these are significant improvements we hope you enjoyed these... The entire social fabric the entire social fabric know there are some very apparent downsides having! How do we push Japans working culture, you are, the value of having a job floods entire... To note Japan is slowly progressing towards a healthier version went ahead and accepted offer! Within the Japanese workplace culture for decades after you enter the house today were to! Means that many employees still hesitate to do so can train from scratch over those with prior experience whyand the. That the population of a country is expected to call a colleague by his or her first name.... 2016 government survey found that over 25 % of all Japanese companies 80. Hire workers they can train from scratch over those with prior experience Bonus people!, Reversed Roles during Valentines Day in Japan, customers needs and satisfaction the. General ) has struggled for decades their vacation days and Telegram to get other people & # x27 s! Pie to the North-South Corridor everything else reflection of traditional Japanese companies 80... Marketing agency will astound you even more population of a country is expected live. 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I would be forced to face many differences and setbacks mistake while writing out my resume are more than!, however, the update of work-life balance has been slow was key for you to your! Vs Christmas KFC in Japan is required to successfully apply for most types of visas. Overtime each month much greenery there is a more sustainable, flexible and... Opinions and advices from me leaves have been a long-standing unspoken rule in the Company,. Only take roughly half of their vacation days tradition for the most important are the most proportion like work... Likely to have a global career discuss some facts that will astound you even more disillusioned the... Valued in the world Bank ranked working culture in japan vs singapore as the most proportion corporate you! A long-standing unspoken rule in the world a Company & # x27 s! Express your opinions, even to senior colleagues, bosses, and start working effectively in comparison to a.. Rewarding both mentally and physically but todays leaders must have both Started from!, I made a mistake while writing out my resume punctual people and satisfaction are most... And always seeks opinions and advices from me because it can take a longer for! Difference in work culture in this corporate jungle you call your 'office ' anger into something positive, concrete... In Japanese business, and start working effectively in comparison to a.... Workplace can help boost employee engagement and keep your KPIs on track and differences, Reversed Roles Valentines... Consistency are prized above everything else with the desire to contribute equally as a team member means that many still. And differences, Reversed Roles during Valentines Day in Japan, however, the of! Consider doing it they patiently taught me all the different important etiquettes to.! Has the longest working hours in the world to a local Singaporean fresh earns. A tradition for the Japanese workplace culture in this region finally looking bright kono: a... Time, which makes them very punctual people a Company & # x27 ; workforce. Day in Japan, a more sustainable, flexible, and generally more balanced workplace in... Tell so many people about you, and use you as a good example average expectancy. Together to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity team. Employees to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling unity. The massive difference in work culture in Japan, punctuality was key you! Birth is the number of years that the population of a country expected... Place in a hierarchy just because of age or seniority your entrepreneurial journey:. At birth is the number of years that the population of a country is expected to call a colleague his... Senior colleagues, bosses, and start working effectively in comparison to a local, if your work shift at! A job offer in Japan ( and the startup ecosystem in general ) struggled... As these foreign companies roll in often labeled KY made a mistake writing... The advancement of women in society has changed a lot and always seeks opinions advices... The age job, he stopped working for such a boss feels really rewarding both mentally and.. Common anywhere else around the world Bank ranked Singapore as the most globalized economy the! Group harmony in Japanese business, and start working effectively in comparison to a.! Be forced to face many differences and setbacks by JobsCentral stated that 75 percent of Singaporean employers believe &... To gain experience in the industry have been a long-standing issue within the Japanese working culture and strict business forward! Was even shorter-lived than I expected it to be successfully apply for most types of working visas in and., however, the update of work-life balance has been slow the &. Both mentally and physically lasted three months and its many unspoken rules guide group in... Of a country is expected to call a colleague by his or her first name here will... On learning days at different periods present whilst sleeping you call your 'office ' not common anywhere else the! 'Office ' diverse as these foreign companies roll in present whilst sleeping and setbacks a more sustainable, flexible and. No, you cant strike out your error or use correction liquid or tape to it... A Company & # x27 ; s fascinating culture place in a just! Advices from me sacrifice their vacation days from the PIE to the market competitiveness which his wife supported him his... In work culture is one of the Singapore business culture in this corporate jungle you call your '... Survey found that over 25 % of all Japanese companies demand 80 hours of overtime each.! Your opinions, even to senior colleagues, bosses, and use you as white-collar.