#Japan #Tokyo #Workplace Culture #NOMA #Behavioral Economics

Understanding Workplace Retention Among Young Employees

Recent studies reveal a startling trend in the workforce: nearly 80% of young employees are contemplating a job change. This statistic underscores a significant issue facing companies today, especially as young workers, particularly from Generation Z, display a distinct approach to their careers that prioritizes efficiency and job satisfaction. In this climate, the Japanese Management Association (NOMA) is set to host a free online seminar titled "Reducing Employee Turnover with Behavioral Economics: Creating a Workplace Where Employees Don't Want to Leave" on August 26, 2025.

The Disconcerting Data

According to NOMA's 2024 report on young worker employment consciousness, only 18.7% of respondents indicated they wanted to stay with their current employer until retirement. This is alarming, especially when data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare shows that the turnover rate for new graduates within the first three years of employment is 38.4% for high school graduates and 34.9% for university graduates, marking the highest rates in the past decade.

What has led to this shift in mindset? The Z-generation workforce places tremendous value on time and results. They embody a philosophy that aims for maximum outcomes with minimal effort, often expressed in the concept of "time efficiency" or "タイパ" in Japanese. If they perceive a workplace as misaligned with their expectations, many choose to leave immediately.

Characteristics of a Non-Quit Workplace

The pressing question arises: what defines a workplace that young employees would prefer not to leave? NOMA suggests that the answer is surprisingly straightforward — it’s a combination of characteristics stemming from two major aspects:

• - A workplace that employees don’t want to leave.
• - A workplace that makes employees want to keep working.

The ultimate goal is to achieve both, creating an environment where young employees feel valued and encouraged to remain.

Applying Behavioral Economics

One effective way to foster such an environment is through the application of behavioral economics. This branch of economics examines the seemingly irrational behaviors of humans and translates those insights into practical business strategies. One notable concept within this field is the "Nudge Theory," which posits that by making minor adjustments in the workplace structure or communication, organizations can significantly influence employee decision-making and satisfaction.

The upcoming seminar aims to explore how companies can apply behavioral economics to create workplaces that lower turnover rates by:

• - Softening the emergence of resignation desires.
• - Facilitating a culture that nurtures retention.
• - Implementing straightforward management strategies to enhance employee satisfaction.
• - Showcasing success stories of municipalities applying "nudge" strategies for workplace improvement.

Seminar Overview

Event: Reducing Employee Turnover with Behavioral Economics: Creating a Workplace Where Employees Don’t Want to Leave
Date: August 26, 2025
Time: 13:30 – 15:00 JST
Format: Online (Zoom) - Live Streaming
Cost: Free
Registration: NOMA Registration Page

Attendees who complete a post-seminar survey will receive a complimentary PDF of the seminar materials, making this not only an informative session but also a resource for implementing learned strategies.

Meet the Speaker

Takuya Kamimae, the representative of YUHO LLC, will lead the seminar. With over 2,000 presentations and training sessions for more than 300 organizations, including municipalities, Kamimae has a robust background in applying behavioral psychology to achieve tangible results in various fields, particularly in sales and employee management. His insights into making behavioral economics accessible and practical are treasured by professionals across Japan.

As the workplace landscape evolves, organizations must adapt to retain their young employees. Join the free seminar to discover actionable strategies to create an environment where employees feel fulfilled and inspired to stay until retirement.

For inquiries related to the seminar, please contact:
Japanese Management Association Hokkaido Head Office
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011-241-7500

For more information about NOMA and its initiatives, visit NOMA Official Website.