Collaboration Between XLOCAL and Fukuyama City FC to Tackle Local Workforce Challenges

Strategic Collaboration to Address Local Workforce Challenges

On December 15, XLOCAL, a company operating the regional talent connection platform "Chiiki-zukan" based in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, signed a "Human Resource Strategy Partner Agreement" with Fukuyama City Football Club (FC), which is located in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture. This agreement aims to alleviate the human resource shortages faced by local businesses through a strategic partnership.

Background of the Collaboration: A Pressing Issue of Population Decline and Workforce Shortages

The population decline in Hiroshima Prefecture has been alarming for several years, particularly in Fukuyama City, which is experiencing the highest level of population exodus in the country. The most significant outflow is seen in the youth demographic aged 15-29, which results in a drastically reduced workforce for the community. This demographic trend poses one of the most pressing challenges—"population decrease and workforce shortages due to low birth rates and aging"—that the city must address, complicating recruitment for local businesses.

Feedback from Fukuyama City FC’s partner companies reflects a serious concern regarding not being able to secure quality talent and facing a lack of manpower. For regional industries to maintain and enhance their vitality, new workforce strategies that go beyond traditional recruitment methods are urgently needed. In response to this critical circumstance, XLOCAL has established a robust framework to provide strategic solutions connecting local businesses with professional talent, which this collaboration seeks to fully leverage through Fukuyama City FC’s extensive regional network.

Overview of the Agreement and Future Plans

Under this agreement, both entities plan to work together as "Human Resource Strategy Partners" targeting several initiatives to support the sustainable growth of local businesses:

1. Hosting Community Awareness Events: An open event slated for early next year, expected to be accessible not only to Fukuyama City FC’s partner companies but also to the broader community. The goal is to underscore the importance of diverse talent utilization.

2. Integrated Provision of Human Resource Solutions: XLOCAL plans to offer comprehensive support on operational and strategic levels through Fukuyama City FC’s partner network to uplift local enterprises’ value.

Comments on the Collaboration

Daiken Sakamoto, CEO of XLOCAL

“We have long resonated with Fukuyama City FC’s commitment to tackle regional issues. This partnership extends beyond mere staffing solutions; it represents a collaboration in envisioning and accomplishing a better future for the region.

The workforce shortage in rural areas is not just a singular corporate problem but a vital theme interconnected with the overall sustainability of the region. Meanwhile, numerous professionals in urban areas are eager to contribute to local development through part-time roles or other engagements. By strategically connecting this talent with regional businesses, XLOCAL is committed to solving broader management issues beyond recruitment. Through our collaboration with Fukuyama City FC, we aim to broaden the options for workforce utilization in the Bihoku area, significantly contributing to the sustained growth of local industries.”

Yoshihiro Okamoto, President of Fukuyama City FC

"Fukuyama City FC is committed to our mission of inspiring courage and vitality in everyone. Based in Fukuyama, Hiroshima, we have adopted the philosophy of being a ‘Comprehensive Club for Solving Local Issues’ since our inception. This collaboration with XLOCAL, along with over 400 partner companies primarily based in the local region, allows us to tackle serious challenges like ‘securing talent’ and ‘enhancing recruitment’ more seriously.

As a ‘Human Resource Strategy Partner’, we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths in the future.”

In conclusion, both XLOCAL and Fukuyama City FC share a vision of revitalizing the region, ensuring long-term solutions to workforce challenges, and bringing about a renaissance for local industries.

For more information about the services provided by XLOCAL, visit Chiiki-zukan.