#Japan #Tokyo #Employee Retention #Imajina #Organizational Development

Redefining Employee Development through Altruism

On September 8, 2026, Imajina, a company specializing in corporate branding and organizational development based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, held a seminar titled "Inner Branding for Leaders" aimed at executives and HR professionals. The event focused on addressing the issue of employee retention and the stagnation of young professionals by emphasizing a shift towards altruism in the workplace.

Background: The Limits of Self-Centered Growth Strategies

Many companies have been working hard to curb the turnover rates among young and mid-career employees by enhancing career support systems and training programs. However, common complaints such as "employees only do what they are told" or "early growth plateaus" frequently arise.

Imajina attributes these challenges to an educational design that leans heavily on individual skills and self-interest. According to findings in developmental psychology and neuroscience, relying on personal validation and selfish motivations can lead to early limitations in performance. To unlock true employee potential, it is essential to pivot towards how individuals can contribute to their organization, society, and future generations.

Seminar Highlights: Three Key Points

1. Awareness Shift from Self-Interest to Altruism
People exhibit the strongest endurance and motivation when they genuinely feel they are contributing to someone else's benefit or passing on value to future generations. The seminar presented mechanisms by which the awareness of contributing to future generations can release brain potential, supported by data from history and neuroscience.

2. Promoting Collaborative Organizations through Contributive EQ
Beyond merely acquiring knowledge and skills (IQ), it is vital to address one’s emotions and understand the values of others by developing "contributive emotional intelligence" (EQ). By recognizing the benefits they receive from others, employees can become aware of their biases and adopt a humble, continuous learning approach.

3. Data-Driven Human Development for Effective Training
The often-invisible stages of human potential development, along with psychological and behavioral characteristics, can be visualized using assessments partnered with Cambridge University and unique research methodologies. The seminar unveiled scientific organizational profiling techniques that avoid reliance on intuition or experience and introduced tiered training methods.

Feedback from Attendees

The event attracted numerous executives and HR personnel facing challenges in talent development and organizational reform. Attendees provided positive feedback, indicating a strong resonance with the discussed approach as a concrete solution.

"The perspective of contributing to future generations strongly resonated with me and aligns with maximizing human capabilities. This has prompted a re-evaluation of our fundamental human resource development policies." — HR Manager, Talent Services

"The idea that 'contributing to the next generation is a human instinct' was particularly impactful. I now have clear guidance on how to connect employee awareness from mere self-preservation to instinctive contributing motivation." — Executive, Interior and Furniture Retail

"I was reminded of the importance of EQ in gauging others' feelings. I intend to apply this insight into empowering on-ground teams and training management right away." — Executive, Construction Industry

Future Directions

Imajina plans to continue offering seminars for executives and HR managers in major cities across the country. Their commitment extends beyond merely implementing systems and tools, focusing instead on enhancing the "human capital" or contributive EQ of every employee and supporting the creation of sustainable organizations that pass value to future generations.

About Imajina

Founder: Yoshiki Sekino
Location: 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Business Focus: Corporate branding, inner branding, organizational consulting
Company Website: Imajina Official Website