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Embracing Diversity: How Abic Is Transforming the Workplace with Foreign Talent

In a significant development within the real estate sector, Abic, known for its Apamanshop franchise, has successfully integrated foreign talent into its workforce, a move supported by Global Trust Networks (GTN). This strategic partnership has resulted in the hiring of five international staff members, prompting a positive shift in workplace morale and creativity across the company.

GTN, headquartered in Tokyo, is dedicated to assisting foreign residents in Japan by providing services covering housing, employment, telecommunications, and finance. This comprehensive approach has made it an invaluable partner for businesses looking to diversify their workforce.

Rise in Foreign Employment

The recent rise in the number of companies hiring foreign personnel reflects the ongoing labor shortage in Japan. As of 2024, the number of businesses employing foreign workers reached an astonishing 342,087, marking an increase of 7.3% from the previous year. This surge highlights the growing recognition among companies of the need to embrace diverse perspectives and skills.

According to reports, the primary motivation for hiring international staff is to address the labor shortage, with 64.8% citing this as their main reason. Additionally, 56.8% of companies hope to leverage the skills of foreign workers to their full potential, as these individuals often bring equal or superior capabilities compared to their Japanese counterparts.

In the real estate field, this trend has become particularly pertinent, owing to the increasing number of foreign residents who require support and services tailored to their unique needs. Abic recognized this trend and sought to harness the potential of a diverse workforce through collaboration with GTN.

A Fresh Look at Hiring Foreign Staff

Previously, Abic had hesitated to hire foreign employees due to experiences with early retirements caused by staff returning to their home countries. However, a pivotal moment occurred during a lecture by GTN President Hiroyuki Goto in the fall of 2024, prompting Abic to reconsider its approach to hiring international talent.

“His message about respecting the culture and habits of foreign employees struck a chord with us. Upon reflection, we realized that our onboarding process may not have been as robust as it could be, contributing to our past challenges. We decided it was time to attempt this again,” said Vice President Kawakami.

Recognizing their lack of experience in the hiring process, Abic sought GTN's expertise to ensure a smoother transition this time.

Streamlined Recruitment Process via GTN

Through GTN’s resources, Abic was able to recruit five foreign employees effectively. GTN managed the entire recruitment process, from screening candidates based on Japanese language skills and cultural fit to assisting with visa verification and paperwork. This comprehensive support has eased Abic's concerns about navigating unknown territories in foreign hiring.

Following the recruitment phase, Abic initiated several measures to ensure a high retention rate for their new international employees. This included creating long-term leave policies that respect the cultural events of their home countries and appointing mentors from among their Japanese staff who have experience working with foreign colleagues.

The Impact of Foreign Staff on Workplace Culture

The presence of foreign workers has invigorated the workplace at Abic, as their enthusiasm and ambition have become a source of motivation for their Japanese counterparts. “We’ve noticed a significant boost in morale throughout the team. Additionally, the fresh ideas brought by our foreign employees have expanded our business horizons,” mentioned Kawakami.

By combining internal initiatives with GTN’s support, Abic has seen a genuine improvement in workplace dynamism and a promising increase in employee retention among their foreign staff.

Conclusion

GTN's commitment to facilitating a seamless integration of international talent into the workforce reflects a growing trend in Japan’s corporate landscape. As businesses like Abic continue to embrace diversity, they not only enhance their service offerings but also contribute to a more inclusive work environment that benefits everyone involved.

For organizations interested in diversifying their teams and enhancing workplace productivity through varied perspectives, Abic’s case is a source of inspiration.

About GTN

Founded in July 2006, GTN has remained steadfast in its mission to create a positive environment for foreign individuals living in Japan. Comprised of a multinational workforce, GTN provides specialized services tailored to support foreign residents, including rent guarantees, housing brokerage, employment support, telecommunications, and finance. Their comprehensive approach empowers foreign workers and fosters an inclusive community in Japan.