TOPIC:
What do we think about our workplace?
Hear some voices from our Human Resources division talk about their experience working at ZenGroup.
What do you all do?
S.Y: As a member of the HR Recruitment Team, I hire a wide range of staff (full-time, part-time, and temp workers) involved in ZenGroup’s operations. I’m responsible for handling the entire recruitment process, from targeting and creating job postings to screening documents, conducting interviews, and following up until the final offer. Additionally, I manage company PR related to hiring by updating our blog and creating content for our career page. Overall, my role helps promote ZenGroup’s appeal to attract more people and find talent that can contribute to achieving our mission.
Hikaru: I’m responsible for a wide range of tasks, scaling from onboarding and offboarding procedures, managing social insurance and labor insurance processes, work attendance management, safety and health management, and responding to employee inquiries. The role of our HR labor team is to support ZenGroup employees so they can work happily and productively.
Rory: I’m a part of the HR Planning Team. My responsibilities include directing onboard training for new members who join ZenGroup, managing our mentor system, and overseeing the Japanese and English language classes we offer to our employees. Additionally, I plan company events.
Riho: As an internal survey and evaluation member in the HR department, my primary role is to analyze the overall condition of the company and develop improved HR policies. Specifically, I plan and conduct regular evaluations twice a year, carry out surveys, and hold meetings with employees. The results of these surveys and meetings help us propose and implement effective plans. Additionally, I regularly conduct compliance-related training and serve as a compliance leader.
What’s the vibe like on your team?
Hikaru: I think my team works with a sense of speed, with each member having a clear understanding of their responsibilities. I also feel like we have a supportive environment where we can ask each other for help when needed. I’m always grateful for the assistance of my team members.
S.Y: My colleagues often tell me that the recruitment team is very friendly and well-balanced. The team is quite small, only consisting of myself and one other subordinate. I think we have a relaxed atmosphere, often making jokes and talking about our personal lives. However, I also give necessary warnings and provide constructive criticism when needed, creating a good balance of fun and seriousness. We frequently discuss our tasks, exchange opinions, and take on new challenges. We are self-reliant and support each other, having a good balance between solo and teamwork.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Rory: I majored in education at university and worked as a teacher in my previous job, so I have been involved in teaching and communicating with people for a long time. Because of my background, I find great achievement in conducting onboard training. As the person responsible for onboarding, I’m the first point of contact for new employees when they join ZenGroup, and I believe I play an important role in shaping their first impression of the company. I also aim to be someone who is connected to everyone, knows everything, and is trusted by employees to feel comfortable enough to talk about anything with me.
Foreigners working in Japan for the first time might take time to make friends outside of the workplace and without company interaction events, they might feel lonely. Younger foreign employees, in particular, could even feel their life in Japan is lonelier compared to their friends back home. I want to create interaction events that I wished for when I first came to Japan and make a comfortable environment at ZenGroup, encouraging people to stay longer.
Hikaru: ZenGroup has many multinational employees, and we can experience different perspectives and cultures. Our labor team receives various inquiries from employees every day, but no two cases are identical, requiring flexible responses each time. This diversity in our HR and labor work is both challenging and rewarding. Sometimes, I even reconsider my own rationale, making me feel like I’m often learning something new.
What do you think is the most important thing in HR?
Riho: An important aspect is to “Have an open mind and be flexible.” Employee needs and challenges differ by person and department, and ZenGroup’s business situations are constantly evolving. As an HR member, I strive to create the right policies that are not confined to traditions or existing methods by keeping an open perspective.
Consistent communication with employees through various methods lets us understand internal needs and identify gaps between the company’s current and desired directions. Additionally, it is important to be approachable for employees while strictly managing important and confidential information, as this helps build trust through consistent practices.
S.Y: Our company values corporate culture. We have clear guidelines for what we want our employees to embody as ZenGroup members, so we conduct various training programs to deepen the comprehension and integration of our culture. With members from over 30 countries, we have employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It’s crucial to have a flexible mindset that is not bound by what a Japanese individual might view as common sense and to understand and respect others’ perspectives and attitudes.
Do you have any messages to potential applicants?
Rory: Joining ZenGroup will allow you to take the next step forward. Even if you feel stuck in your studies or career, you can find your next step here. Before joining ZenGroup, I was unsure about my career. I left my previous job wanting to enhance my skills and grow, and I came to ZenGroup. I truly feel that this is a place where many paths open up.
We are neither a typical Japanese company nor a completely foreign company; we have a unique culture. If you are looking to challenge yourself and take that next step, let’s work together at ZenGroup!
Riho: As our company continues to grow and the number of employees rises, the pace of change might seem rapid. Depending on the position, there are aspects of work that have not yet been decided, and there are times when we may need to build a framework or a significant part ourselves, presenting many challenges. With that being said, I think flexible people who can enjoy and adapt to change well can flourish here. It might sound like a tough environment, but our workplace atmosphere is calm, and communication is open. Because of this, employees can focus on their roles, challenge themselves, and experiment. We look forward to welcoming new members who can think and act together toward our goals.
