#Japan #Osaka #Construction Industry #HR Consulting #Mai Hamada

Transformation of Mindsets in the Construction Industry

The demand for adaptability in today’s construction industry is ever-growing, especially with an accelerated push towards digital transformation (DX) and infrastructure management. In this context, an innovative support program has been launched by Mercury-Ad’s HR consultant, Mai Hamada, to assist a major construction materials company in redefining the roles of its employees transitioning from general to executive positions.

Significance of the Training Program

Traditionally, employees in general roles performed tasks based on directives, however, the evolving demands of the industry now require them to identify challenges independently and initiate reforms. Mai Hamada, leveraging her extensive experience of over 18 years in HR support, has designed this program to break psychological barriers and maximize the potential of those transitioning into new roles.

The program is not merely focused on knowledge acquisition; it aims to cultivate practical skills and confidence through comprehensive support spanning six months. Employees who may be uncertain or lack confidence in their new roles will receive focused guidance to enable them to take proactive steps towards problem-solving.

Four Key Features of the Program

This program features significant updates to traditional training approaches, marking a shift from merely teaching logical thinking to enhancing students' self-efficacy through experiential learning. Here are the four key components:

1. Immediate Practical Workshops:
Instead of delving deep into complex theories, the focus is on actionable “business improvement themes” that can be utilized from day one. Achieving small wins is central to encouraging active participation and engagement. Workshops were conducted in Tokyo and Osaka, creating a comfortable environment for group discussions through strategies such as thematic dialogue boxes and post-it notes for facilitating communication.

2. Ongoing Problem-Solving Training and Group Coaching:
The program has a continuous structure, progressing from larger group training to smaller, targeted problem-solving sessions. Regular online progress meetings and group coaching ensure ongoing support, with Hamada and two other instructors offering tailored assistance, acting as companions to guide each participant.

3. Knowledge Sharing Through ‘Parallel Pages’:
The implementation of a web page exclusive to internal communication enables employees to share previous success stories and methodologies, fostering a culture of shared learning and collaboration.

4. Motivation Through Executive Messaging:
Incorporating motivational messages from company leadership directly to participants reinforces a supportive environment. This aims to alleviate anxiety and bolster motivation, emphasizing the collective growth of the employees as they shift to executive roles.

Training Program Overview

• - Target Audience: Employees transitioning from general to executive roles at a top-tier construction materials company.
• - Duration: March 2026 to June 2026 (6 months).
• - Location: Workshops in Tokyo and Osaka, alongside online coaching sessions.
• - Core Content: Knowledge sharing, cultivation of collaborative consciousness, operational review, enhancement of problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication.

Mai Hamada's Insights

Mai Hamada has articulated that transitioning from a general role to an executive position is more than just a shift in job title; it is a significant opportunity to redefine one’s personal work philosophy. The training is designed to create an atmosphere where participants feel empowered, embracing the idea that “I can make a change” and “I am capable.” Hamada believes this program will enable them to turn minor discrepancies in their workplace into valuable insights, positioning themselves as key contributors to organizational change. Furthermore, she emphasizes that their progress will directly invigorate the entire construction industry.

About Mai Hamada

Mai Hamada is the head of HR consulting at Mercury-Ad. She has a proven track record in recruitment consulting at Mynavi and has dedicated her career to enhancing talent development and organizational growth. As a mother of three, her personal journey inspires her commitment to leverage individual strengths and foster psychologically safe workplaces, enabling effective leadership in a rapidly changing landscape.

Mercury-Ad, based in Osaka, operates across various sectors, including the construction industry, delivering innovative design and strategic consulting solutions that enhance brand experiences and facilitate sustainable growth.