Key points in this article are taken and translated from Japanese to English from ASIA to JAPAN’s interview story: 【株式会社髙松コンストラクショングループ】外国人材採用がもたらした、予想以上の変化
Wondering what support Japanese companies provide for foreign workers? We spoke with representatives from Aoki Asunaro Construction, a Tokyo-based Japanese construction company under Takamatsu Construction Group, to learn more.
In an interview with ASIA to JAPAN, they shared the support they provided for foreign workers. They also discussed how having diversity has impacted their company.
Preparing Japanese Worksites for Foreign Employees
When Aoki Asunaro Construction began hiring foreign talent in 2023, some concerns were raised. A major one is about how well international employees would integrate with the existing domestic workforce. Mamida-san, who was overseeing human resources at the time, explained how the company addressed these concerns. They carefully planned support for foreign workers in Japan, including training programs and assistance systems.
Mamida san: “To reduce such worries and anxieties on the job site, we had many discussions before accepting the first batch of trainees about what kind of care the human resource department would provide, how much training they would receive, and so on.”
Support for Filing Complex Paperwork
One significant form of support provided to foreign workers who joined Aoki Asunaro Construction was assistance with filing important paperwork. They also helped with handling applications for qualification exams. This support was crucial in helping employees navigate Japanese administrative procedures that may be confusing for foreign employees.
Mamida san: “We ask our Japanese employees to submit their own (qualification exam) applications, but in the case of foreign talent, they often don’t know how to fill out the unique application forms, so we think this is a necessary measure.”
Daily Life Assistance in Japan for Foreign Employees
While onboarding foreign talent is relatively straightforward, ensuring their comfort in daily life in Japan presents a different challenge. Creating a supportive living environment for foreign employees required additional effort and resources. However, the human resources team at Aoki Asunaro Construction felt it was essential to do so.
Mamida san: “When Aoki Asunaro Construction first started hiring foreign workers from overseas, we tried to provide extensive support that made people wonder, ‘Do we really have to go that far?’
Unlike new Japanese employees, foreign talent joining the company from overseas naturally has no family or even acquaintances in Japan. They have no savings in Japanese yen, and don’t even know where to buy ingredients for their home cooking. It’s easy to hire them, but I thought the hurdles to getting them to settle in after joining the company would be quite high.
Therefore, we actively provided support to foreign talents in all aspects, such as filing official documents with government offices, riding trains, and general living in Japan.”
Establishing a Training Support
In 2024, Aoki Asunaro Construction established the Overseas Engineer Training and Employment Support Office. Kato san, the manager of the office, explained that its purpose was to allow foreign employees to consult with staff from the same country in their native language.
Kato san: “We solved each problem that was raised, creating a sense of security that ‘I can come here for advice.’ I think that’s what has led to our zero-turnover rate.”
Conducting Interviews Onsite
In addition to providing a support system for foreign employees, Kato san also emphasized the importance of staying informed about conditions on job sites. To achieve this, he regularly interviews employees on the ground to better understand what is happening in their day-to-day work environment.
Kato san: “I am currently visiting each construction site, meeting with both foreign and Japanese staff daily, and conducting surveys to identify issues.
It seems that there are things that are difficult for either party to say, so I feel that a third party must step in and steadily listen to what they have to say. In this way, we are solving the problems one by one.”
Providing Homecoming Travel Allowance
Another benefit provided for foreign employees is financial support for visits to their home country during annual leave or vacation days.
Kato san: “We have now extended the homecoming travel allowance system that we previously provided for young Japanese employees to foreign talent. It is a system that provides travel allowances up to two times a year, with a set upper limit.”
Results of Providing Support for Foreign Workers in Japan
Aoki Asunaro Construction has already seen clear benefits from providing extensive support to its foreign workforce. One notable result is the company’s zero turnover rate among foreign employees. This positive working environment has also had a motivating effect on Japanese employees, who have been inspired by their foreign colleagues.
Mamida san: “Many Japanese employees are inspired by their behavior. They have started studying the language and speaking to foreign staff in English in order to better interact with them. I feel that they are bringing a breath of fresh air to both young and experienced staff.
Of course, there are some issues due to language and cultural differences, but there are many positive aspects that outweigh these. I feel like the entire company is becoming more resilient to change.”
Read the full interview on the ASIA to JAPAN website here.
