#Japan #Tokyo #Employee Engagement #Workplace Culture #Ginza Eikokuya

Ginza Eikokuya's Transformation into an Inspiring Workplace

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in workplace culture, driven by labor-related law reforms that emphasize the necessity for companies to create 'employee-friendly environments.' Ginza Eikokuya, a tailored suits specialist based in Tokyo, is reimagining its internal culture from what some might call a 'Relaxed White Company' to an inspiring workplace that demands more than just comfort for its employees.

As part of these changes, Ginza Eikokuya's CEO, Eiki Kobayashi, strongly believes that a mere focus on employee comfort is insufficient for generating true job satisfaction and reducing turnover rates. Prior to implementing new strategies, the company saw an alarming turnover rate of 75% among employees with less than three years of service from 2020 to 2022. However, through the adoption of a groundbreaking evaluation system focusing on 'valuing trial and error,' the company has now achieved a remarkable turnaround, boasting a zero turnover rate for employees within that timeframe.

Unveiling the Secrets of Job Satisfaction

Today, Ginza Eikokuya has unveiled key factors contributing to their employees feeling genuinely engaged and satisfied with their work. The fundamental elements that maximize job satisfaction are categorized into four categories: 1) Realization of Growth, 2) Teamwork, 3) Sense of Fairness, and 4) Sense of Pride.

While the main aspects of creating a comfortable work environment involve teamwork and fairness, the essence of job satisfaction is grounded in the realization of growth and pride. Central to this realization of growth is the company's distinct 'trial and error evaluation' system, which rewards the learning process involved in achieving goals, rather than solely the results.

1. Realization of Growth

Providing employees with opportunities to recognize their own growth is paramount in enhancing engagement. At Ginza Eikokuya, efforts and attempts are appraised, not just final outcomes. This allows employees to set personal goals that resonate with them deeply, without fearing negative consequences from setbacks. Through pursuing meaningful goals, employees develop new skills and heightened self-efficacy, thus leading to a genuine sense of growth.

2. Teamwork

Strengthening collaboration across various departments is vital for fostering a sense of belonging within the organization, which further boosts engagement. At Ginza Eikokuya, there exists a culture of support where team members rally around those who take on challenges. This promotes a supportive environment, enhancing employees' desire to contribute to the organization’s success.

3. Sense of Fairness

Feeling respected as individuals underpins essential aspects such as fair evaluations and rewards. Implementing a transparent evaluation system fosters trust within the organization and solidifies employees’ confidence in a just working environment, thereby boosting engagement.

4. Sense of Pride

Facilitating a sense of pride in one's work and the company significantly influences engagement levels. In contrast to merely following directives, Ginza Eikokuya empowers employees to make proposals to customers, enhancing their connection and commitment. By providing clients with 'trustworthy attire,' employees take the reigns in product selection, further reinforcing their pride and engagement as positive feedback flows from satisfied customers.

Evaluating Trial and Error as a Lead-up to Growth

The traditional focus on 'result-based evaluation' has seen its share of pitfalls, frequently leading employees to set goals they perceive to be 'safe' or 'simple.' The new trial-and-error evaluation encourages employees to contemplate goals that hold personal value, knowing that efforts will be recognized regardless of immediate results. This approach fosters resilience, with employees acquiring necessary skills and raising their self-efficacy through committed attempts at substantial goals.

Take for instance a nine-year veteran at Ginza Eikokuya, who has set a professional sales goal of 100 million yen for himself, significantly higher than the 20-30 million yen generally expected for top performers. His goal reflects not just ambition but a personal pride that he strives to attain.

The system of valuing trial and error ensures that employee interests align with company goals, creating an environment where genuine job satisfaction flourishes beyond a mere 'relaxed white company' label.

The Synergy of Job Satisfaction and Corporate Success

By effectively balancing the four foundational elements of job satisfaction, and implementing the trial-and-error evaluation, employees actively avoid stagnation typical to 'relaxed white companies.' Instead, they engage enthusiastically in their work, enhancing organizational productivity and performance.

Contrary to common assumptions, Ginza Eikokuya has managed to halve the number of stores from 11 to just five since 2019, all while maintaining sales figures exceeding 1.4 billion yen—a testament to their operational model. This reality underscores the belief that organizations with high employee engagement are indeed able to achieve better business performance.

In pursuing a true sense of job satisfaction, Ginza Eikokuya aims for further growth, thereby reaffirming its commitment to creating a thriving workplace culture.

About Ginza Eikokuya

Founded in 1940, Ginza Eikokuya has upheld British tailoring traditions for over 80 years, continually providing high-quality suits. Its origins are deeply rooted in Ginza—a location that has built trust over generations. The brand is dedicated to meticulous craftsmanship, emphasizing creating bespoke suits that enhance individual character and attraction.

The core of Ginza Eikokuya's philosophy is a bespoke approach that caters thoughtfully to each client's needs. Utilizing a carefully curated selection of premium fabrics, they blend classic British styles with modern sensibilities, offering refined silhouettes. Their commitment to craftsmanship guarantees unparalleled comfort and appeal for all, thus rendering them a unique entity in the gentlemen's apparel market. Ginza Eikokuya is not merely a suit retailer; it’s an embodiment of tradition juxtaposed with innovation, elevating the refinement and confidence of its patrons.

For more information, visit: Ginza Eikokuya.