Empowering the Next Generation: Human Holdings' Commitment to Z-Generation's Self-Discovery

As we move toward 2025, Human Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo's Shinjuku, is embracing the ethos of self-discovery and self-development through a program known as 'SELFing.' This innovative approach combines self-management with an ongoing commitment to personal growth, highlighting the importance of becoming the best version of oneself. This report explores the aspirations and motivations of the new generation of employees entering the workforce this year.

What is SELFing?

SELFing is a unique term coined by Human Holdings, combining 'self' with 'ing' to signify a continuous journey of self-discovery and development. This initiative is not just an internal framework but a value proposition offered to all stakeholders involved with the organization.

Human Holdings is a conglomerate with diverse business sectors, including education, human resources, nursing care, childcare, IT, beauty, and sports. The company's aim for 2025 is to ensure that all new entrants can explore their desires through SELFing, providing a complementary framework for personal and professional aspirations.

Findings from the 2025 New Employees

On April 1, 2025, a new cohort of employees joined the Human Holdings Group, bringing fresh perspectives and aspirations. Among these individuals, a group of 131 employees participated in creating their SELFing Sheets, where they could articulate their life goals. The most prominent aspiration articulated by this group revolves around the theme of enjoyment, with 12 out of the 131 indicating that a key goal was simply to enjoy life.

This sentiment was echoed in their statements such as: 'I want to live joyfully every day,' and, 'Looking back, I want to say, “This is the happiest phase of my life.”' These reflections highlight a genuine intent to prioritize well-being and positivity in a world that often emphasizes productivity over personal satisfaction.

Additional Insights on Life Goals

In addition to enjoyment, the new employees expressed desire to:

- Achieve their dreams (11 mentions)
- Live without regrets (10 mentions)
- Promote coexistence with those around them (10 mentions)
- Seek happiness (10 mentions)

This generation, primarily born between 2002 and 2003, has navigated considerable societal changes, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, which shaped their worldview. Their educational experiences, mostly online, have contributed to a strong sense of valuing 'the present' and building connections that transcend individual aspirations.

The Design of the SELFing Sheet

The 'SELFing Sheet' is instrumental in helping new employees visualize their goals. Developed in collaboration with Clover Management Research Institute, this tool uses the Mandala Chart framework. It features a grid that allows for the articulation of central life goals, surrounded by eight critical areas that contribute to achieving these goals, such as health, work, finances, family, social contribution, personality development, learning, and play.

There are two types of SELFing Sheets: one focusing on long-term life goals and another on three-year objectives, providing a comprehensive roadmap tailored to individual aspirations.

Support Structures In Place

Beyond just an initiative, Human Holdings is committed to fostering an environment that continually nurtures the self-development of its employees. The company implements SELFing sessions for regular feedback and progress checks with supervisors, reinforcing the importance of continuous personal growth and goal reassessment.

The emphasis on support allows employees to recognize that they are not alone in their journey, promoting a culture where collaboration, mentorship, and personal achievement harmonize.

A Generation with Unique Perspectives

The characteristics observed in 2025's new employees can be attributed not only to their recent educational environments but also to their lived experiences during a global pandemic that limited social interaction. As a result, there’s a recognizable emphasis on communal values, trust, and relationship building. Notably, the most common workplace aspirations include goals centered on being recognized (14 mentions) and trustworthy (12 mentions). This signifies a dedicated effort to foster reliability and interpersonal connections in a professional setting.

Conclusion

As the world becomes more interconnected, the need for a workforce that not only seeks personal achievement but also promotes symmetric relationships is paramount. Human Holdings recognizes this shift and thus has committed to supporting its employees on their journey toward personal and shared aspirations.

The SELFing Sheets serve as an evolving blueprint for employees, adaptable to changes in circumstances and ambitions. As they continue their journey, employees are encouraged to regularly update their goals and objectives, ensuring a dynamic and growth-oriented work culture.

We look forward to witnessing how this philosophy of empowerment nurtures a more fulfilling and purpose-driven work environment in the coming years.