Daito Kentaku Adopts New Retirement Policy for Seniors
Daito Kentaku Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has made a significant change to its employee retirement policy. Starting April 2026, the company will raise the retirement age from the current 60 years to 65 years, implementing a flexible retirement system. This initiative aims to address labor shortages and encourage senior participation in the workforce.
Under the new policy, employees will have the freedom to choose their retirement age between 60 and 65 based on their personal lifestyles and career plans. Previously, Daito Kentaku maintained a strict retirement age of 60, with two employment options available for employees after reaching retirement: the 'Meister' and 'Senior' roles. The decision to continue in the Meister role was based on sales performance and personnel evaluations. With the introduction of the selectable retirement system, however, every employee will declare their desired retirement age in the year they turn 57, and a final confirmation will occur when they reach 59. Employees’ retirement ages will be determined individually.
Salaries and bonuses will remain at the same levels as before reaching the age of 60, with opportunities for promotions still available. Furthermore, Employees can continue working in Senior positions after turning 60. This change aligns with a broader trend in the corporate landscape where companies recognize and value their aging workforce.
In September of last year, Daito Kentaku expanded its program for senior employees by introducing a 'Shortened Work System' that allows for a three-day work week and flexible working hours. Additionally, the company established a 'Transfer System' enabling senior employees to work in its group company, Care Partner, which specializes in caregiving services. This wide array of options for post-retirement employment demonstrates Daito Kentaku’s commitment to adapting to diverse work styles and supporting its seniors.
New Criteria for Continued Roles for Managers Over 60
In conjunction with raising the retirement age, Daito Kentaku is also implementing new criteria for evaluating managerial roles for employees over 60. This new measure aims to prevent an imbalance in leadership positions as the workforce ages and to ensure the opportunity for young employees to advance. Though the company hasn't had a formal 'retirement age for roles', the newly established criteria will assess managers over 60 annually.
To maintain their positions, managers must achieve an average score above the midpoint for their performance ratings over the last two evaluation periods conducted every six months. By doing this, Daito Kentaku aims to sustain the vitality of its organization while also ensuring a healthy balance of both seasoned leaders and emerging talent. This proactive approach may serve as an example for other companies facing similar demographic trends.
Key Changes for Employees Aged 60 to 65
As Daito Kentaku transitions into this new retirement paradigm, its focus remains on empowering senior employees and supporting them through their career journeys. The company is committed to ensuring that each team member’s preferences and capabilities are considered, helping to establish a culture where age diversity strengthens the workforce’s overall effectiveness. Daito Kentaku’s purpose behind expanding its senior employability initiatives is clear: to nurture a professional environment that recognizes the talents of senior workers and continues to drive forward its mission of capitalizing on human resources effectively.
With a vision for the future that integrates the expertise of seasoned employees with the fresh insights of younger generations, Daito Kentaku positions itself as a leader in the evolving corporate landscape, setting standards not only for itself but also for the industry at large.