Apex Corporation Ranked 8th in 2026's Best Places to Work in Japan

Apex Corporation Achieves Recognition in 2026 Ranking

Apex Corporation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has been recognized as the 8th best company to work for in Japan in the medium-sized category by Great Place To Work Institute Japan for the year 2026. This annual ranking evaluates the best companies based on employee surveys and organizational culture, celebrating those with outstanding levels of workplace satisfaction.

Understanding the Ranking Process

The Best Places to Work ranking utilizes a global standard for employee experience surveys. These surveys are conducted in around 170 countries, making it one of the largest employee engagement studies worldwide. The first rankings were published in the U.S. in 1998 by Fortune magazine, and since then, being featured on this list has become a hallmark of an exemplary company. In Japan, the process of ranking these companies began in 2007, with the 2026 edition marking the 20th occurrence of this evaluation.

The ranking assessment consists of an anonymous questionnaire for employees which includes 60 questions covering aspects like trust, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie, alongside a company-specific survey evaluating its culture, policies, and efforts aimed at HR practices. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of these two components, the top 100 companies are selected as the “Best 100”. For detailed information about the ranking, you can visit here.

Apex’s Key Strengths

The survey results have highlighted Apex's top three factors contributing to employee satisfaction. These points are not based on subjective evaluations but reflect insights from employees' daily workplace experiences. The top three factors identified are:
1. Promotions are awarded fairly to deserving employees.
2. Employees feel justifiable satisfaction regarding their compensation.
3. Management and executives are easily approachable and foster good communication.

Diversity as a Foundation for Fair Evaluation

Currently, Apex employs around 150 staff members who hail from 21 different nationalities, with women making up 57% and foreigners accounting for 34% of the workforce. This creates a distinctly diverse workplace that is rare among Japanese firms, leading to a “flat organizational culture” where no individual is restricted by specific attributes or preconceived notions. The incorporation of various values fosters a natural respect for merit and contributions, irrespective of backgrounds.

Fair Promotion Practices Lead to Job Satisfaction

Apex has implemented a fair evaluation system based on performance and ability, free from biases related to gender, age, or tenure. Last year, approximately 36 employees, or about 30 percent of the staff, were promoted. This included a young female employee who, after just two years, achieved two promotions and received recognition as a top performer. Such testimonials validate the sentiment that “the right people are promoted.” Additionally, the establishment of clear career paths for support staff and cross-evaluations across multiple criteria have significantly enhanced overall job satisfaction in terms of compensation.

Close Management Relations Cultivate Open Communication

In Apex’s open-concept office, there are no separate offices for executives, promoting a familiar atmosphere where management works alongside employees. Gestures like distributing ice cream on hot summer days or handing drinks to employees on Friday evenings provide various instances of casual interaction, which contribute to the feedback that “management is easy to talk to.”

Comments from the CEO

Block Warbets, CEO of Apex Corporation, expressed his excitement regarding their 8th place ranking by stating, “We are thrilled and honored to achieve this higher position in comparison to last year. This result is a testament to how deeply our six core values of teamwork, communication, people, commitment, integrity, and adaptability are ingrained in our daily operations and culture. This accomplishment reflects the proactive contributions from every employee, supporting one another and constantly striving for high performance. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all employees and emphasize our commitment to achieving even higher goals together.”

About Great Place To Work Institute

The Great Place To Work Institute conducts annual studies in over 170 countries, surveying more than 21,000 firms to determine workplace quality. They certify and rank companies that meet certain standards, widely recognized for branding efforts in recruitment and IR disclosures. In Japan, the Institute’s operations are managed under the license granted to the Great Place To Work Institute by the “Hatarakigai no Aru Kaisha Kenkyusho”.

About Apex Corporation

Apex Corporation serves as a recruitment agency dedicated to supporting high-class talent seeking positions in both foreign and domestic companies. They offer services across a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and more.

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