Waris Launches New Career Support for Mid-Career Women in Japan

Waris Expands Career Support for Mid-Career Women

Waris Co., Ltd., a human resource service company based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has recently initiated "Waris Career Change," enhancing its support for women in the workforce. This shift is designed to provide assistance not only to managerial positions but also to women in their 30s and 40s seeking to pursue new career opportunities.

Since its establishment in 2013, the company has worked under the vision of "Live Your Life," promoting diverse working styles for women. The newly revamped service is a continuation of its previous offering, "Waris Leaders Career," which focused on high-class management positions. The expansion acknowledges the strong aspirations of women who seek advancement and career transitions, with many expressing a desire to step into leadership roles or explore new fields.

With this launch, Waris is also partnering with Benesse Corporation to enhance its efforts in supporting female employees' career development through external mentoring services known as "withbatons." In addition to recruitment support, the company intends to provide comprehensive training programs for companies, aimed at promoting women's participation in the workforce, ensuring effective collaboration, and facilitating overall growth.

The Background of Waris Career Change

Waris started its journey with the matching service "Waris Professional," connecting business-oriented freelance women with companies. Their portfolio has gradually expanded to include services such as introducing women executives and supporting reskilling endeavors for women looking to enhance their professional abilities.

Incorporating feedback from mid-career women, the newly launched "Waris Career Change" aims to facilitate a more diverse array of career transitions. Research conducted by Waris reveals that more than half of women seeking manager roles want to pursue these positions, highlighting the active interest among professionals who may not yet have managerial experience.

Aims of Waris Career Change

1. Supporting Diverse Career Paths: Waris plans to assist women at various career stages—not just those who have managerial experience, but also those aspiring to management or looking to deepen their expertise. The service encourages women to explore new sectors or adopt flexible working patterns.

2. Contributing to Diversity in Business: As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of diverse talent for fostering growth and innovation, Waris will introduce qualified women to companies aiming to enhance their diversity ratios and boost economic success.

3. Expertise in Business Roles: With a robust database of over 28,000 profiles and collaborations through reskilling programs, Waris specializes in providing immediate support for departments like marketing, accounting, and human resources—a critical asset for corporations navigating shifting operational needs.

Current State of Women's Participation in Japan

Japan continues to struggle with low female representation in managerial roles, with only 12.7% of women holding management positions, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Furthermore, the Gender Gap Index ranked Japan at 118 out of 146 countries in 2024, underscoring the need for enhanced gender equality initiatives in the workplace.

However, the push for diversity in business has gained traction globally. From March 2023, publicly listed companies are required to disclose information regarding the ratio of female managers and their pay compared to male counterparts. With proposed legislation on the desk of the current Diet session, it is clear that a systematic shift towards promoting women in leadership is underway.

In line with these policy changes, Waris is committed to meeting societal demands through its reimagined career transition service, fostering a workplace where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

Case Studies of Successful Female Placements

1. Startup in the Architectural Sector: A 40-something female candidate streamlined back-office operations, fostering organizational harmony and responsiveness.
2. Healthcare DX Service Provider: Another candidate excelled in customer success and marketing, proving invaluable in a highly specialized field.
3. Digital News Service Company: A finance specialist established the groundwork for the finance department, subsequently stepping into a managerial role within two years.

Through these efforts, Waris aims to drive the shift necessary for a more equitable work environment, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to craft her unique career path and flourish in her endeavors.