Exploring Career Breaks: A New Strategy to Prevent Talent Exodus in Japan

Exploring the Concept of Career Breaks in Corporate Japan

On April 13, 2025, Trustyyle, a Tokyo-based company led by CEO Yosuke Yoshida, hosted a significant event at their community initiative, "Human Resources Library." The gathering featured Takahiro Kitano, chairman of the Career Break Institute, who shed light on how businesses in Japan can implement the idea of "career breaks" to enhance employee well-being and reduce turnover.

What are Career Breaks?

The term "career break" refers to a period when employees temporarily step away from work, such as taking a leave of absence or resigning. This moment of pause is seen as a time to reflect on one’s professional and personal life. Though a common concept in Europe, in Japan, career breaks have been perceived negatively as "gaps" in one’s career. However, the perspective is shifting, recognizing that taking time off can lead to personal growth and renewed motivation.

Is Taking a Break Really Bad?

There have been concerns that implementing career breaks might not align with Japanese work culture. Yet, many companies have already adopted such policies. The challenge lies in overcoming the prevailing belief within organizations that equates rest with a lack of productivity. During the event, Kitano highlighted various case studies, elucidating the benefits of this practice for both companies and individuals.

Transforming Employee Exodus into Revival

According to Kitano, the European concept of career breaks does not merely serve as a pause; it may be a strategy for "reviving" employee morale. By facilitating breaks, companies might enhance their employees' well-being, ultimately preventing quiet resignations and fostering a more vibrant workplace environment.

Key Points for Implementing Career Breaks:

1. Build a Supportive Culture: It is essential not only to establish formal policies like paid leave but also to cultivate an organizational culture that values stepping back positively.
2. Share Successful Experiences: Encouraging employees who return to work with high motivation to share their positive experiences can facilitate smoother implementation of career breaks.
3. Foster Connections: Finding a supportive "third place" outside of work can be crucial during a career break. Collaborating with external communities, like the Career Break Institute, is essential for meaningful engagement.

Feedback from Participants

Post-event surveys showed a significant shift in mindset among attendees. Many expressed feeling empowered by the discussion surrounding the concept of career breaks.

- “I felt the immense potential behind the term 'career break.'”
- “If more people return to work with a positive outlook, it will certainly benefit companies.”
- “I previously held negative perceptions about taking a break due to concerns about job security, but this event changed my viewpoint.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Career Breaks in Japan

Through this event, attendees recognized that career breaks are not merely time off but an essential element for supporting both individual and organizational growth. As companies adapt to this concept, creating a culture that appreciates temporary pauses for personal and professional development will be crucial. Trustyyle aims to continue hosting events like this, shedding light on innovative HR strategies that offer practical insights into organizational practices. The focus remains on expanding opportunities for learning and fostering a rich dialogue about future work styles and career choices.

Featured Speaker: Takahiro Kitano

Takahiro Kitano is the representative of the Career Break Institute and a special researcher at Osaka Public University’s Graduate School of Business. After graduating from Osaka City University, he worked with JR-West as a department store producer. In 2022, he founded the Career Break Institute to promote the cultural acceptance of temporary leaves and conducted studies on the realities of career breaks in Japan. His written works include titles like “The Choice of Career Breaks to Resolve Work Frustration” and “Career Breaks: Letting Go Is Not a Gap.”

About the Career Break Institute

The Career Break Institute aims to normalize the positive perception of career breaks through research, community engagement, and by fostering workplace culture. They also run a magazine focused on career breaks, a community of over 1,000 members, and various events to promote this concept.

For more information, visit their official websites.