Sayaka

Nationality: Japanese
Hometown: Hyogo
, Japan

Hello! I’m Sayaka from the HR Planning Team.
I started my career at a trading company dealing in fresh produce, where I was responsible for accounting. After that, I moved to Singapore and worked at an IT company as a senior process executive. Upon returning to Japan, I gained experience in overseas sales at a company selling second-hand goods, and in 2024, I joined ZenGroup.

Now, I’m taking on a new challenge in the HR field, working in a diverse and inclusive environment. The company provides a great work-life balance and makes it easy to take time off, so I can fully enjoy one of my favorite hobbies — traveling abroad. I feel that I’m truly able to lead a fulfilling and balanced life here.

Schedule

8–9am Starting the day by arriving at the office, organizing the workspace, checking the day’s schedule, and reviewing tasks.
9–1pm Conducting interviews, preparing reports, and planning and organizing events.
1–2pm Lunch break
2–5pm Team meetings, creating training materials, and handling internal inquiries.
5pm Wrap up remaining tasks and finish work for the day.

Daily Tasks

What are your main responsibilities?

My main responsibilities are conducting competency interviews in English and facilitating internal training. I support new members so they can start their work with confidence, and I help existing members develop their skills. Through these training programs, I aim to foster individual growth that ultimately contributes to the overall growth of ZenGroup.

Which tools and platforms do you use daily?

On a daily basis, I use Asana to manage my tasks. I communicate with team members through Slack, and with external partners via phone and email.

How do you prioritize your tasks?

I prioritize tasks that involve other departments, such as interviews. For projects with fixed schedules—like trainings or events—I work backward from the deadlines, breaking them down into smaller tasks and setting priorities accordingly.

Team Collaboration

What’s your team like?

The HR Planning team aims to provide the best experience for the best members.
Specifically, we focus on building and nurturing our company culture, supporting individual growth through training programs, and organizing events that strengthen connections among team members.
Through these initiatives, our mission is to create an environment where every member can perform at their best and achieve outstanding results.

What are the unique points about your team?

At ZenGroup, we have members from a wide variety of backgrounds, and our HR Planning team is dedicated to planning and organizing events that everyone can enjoy. To ensure consideration for all members—regardless of their nationality, religion, or culture—we make thoughtful arrangements, such as providing vegetarian and halal meal options.
While some adjustments can be challenging, our team includes members of diverse nationalities and those with overseas experience, allowing us to share ideas and find the best solutions together. We strive to create events that offer meaningful and enjoyable experiences for everyone.

Do you collaborate with other departments at ZenGroup?

We work closely with all departments across the company.
From onboarding new employees to organizing various events and company trips, our team might be the one that interacts with the widest range of departments within ZenGroup!

Learning and Development

How do you stay updated on the latest trends in your position?

What I find most important in my position is developing a deep understanding of ZenGroup. To achieve this, I make a conscious effort to stay updated by regularly checking our press releases and company activities, and by actively communicating with as many team members as possible to stay in tune with the latest trends.

What are you doing for self-improvement?

I study business English and read books related to human resources.
I believe consistency is key, so I make use of my commute time to keep learning every day without putting too much pressure on myself.

Work-Life Balance

How do you manage your work-life at ZenGroup?

On busy days, I sometimes work overtime, but I usually finish on time to make sure I have personal time after work. With proper task management, it’s also possible to take long vacations, so by working efficiently, I’m able to maintain a well-balanced work style.

Do you have any tips for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout?

It’s about setting long-term goals rather than short-term ones.
I believe that when you see your current efforts as steps toward becoming your ideal self in the future, it motivates you to keep moving forward positively.
I also value sharing lighthearted moments with my teammates and finding small joys in everyday work.

Memorable Experiences

Can you share a memorable experience or success in your role?

One of the most memorable moments for me was receiving positive feedback during a new employee onboarding session. The first day at a new company can be nerve-racking for anyone, and my role is to help new members feel comfortable and integrate smoothly into their teams and the company.
That’s why receiving such encouraging feedback made me genuinely happy.

Personal Insights

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I truly enjoy working in ZenGroup’s uniquely diverse environment. Not only do I get to hear a wide range of perspectives, but sometimes international members even ask me questions like, “Sayaka, why do Japanese people do this?”—which gives me the chance to reflect on my own cultural habits and discover new insights every day.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your position?

The HR Planning team plays a key role in building and nurturing our company culture. While it’s important to have a deep understanding of ZenGroup, we also value individuality—embracing the idea of working in a way that feels true to yourself in our diverse environment. So don’t hesitate to share your ideas and take initiative—we welcome fresh perspectives and proactive engagement!

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