#Japan #Gifu Prefecture #Persol BPO #StepBase #Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank

Enhancing SME Support in Gifu Prefecture

In a significant move to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gifu Prefecture, Persol Business Process Design Inc., a subsidiary of the Persol Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank. Under the slogan “Let’s Work and Smile,” this collaboration aims to tackle the challenges faced by local businesses, particularly as they confront issues such as dwindling workforce numbers and operational efficiency.

Background of the Partnership

Gifu Prefecture has been witnessing a gradual decline in population, projected to decrease from approximately 1.979 million in 2020 to about 1.47 million by 2050, according to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. This demographic shift is exacerbating workforce shortages in the region, compelling local companies to rethink their operational processes and increase their digital footprints.

A notable challenge lies within back-office functions, such as general affairs, accounting, and human resources, where securing specialized personnel is increasingly difficult. Companies often find themselves mired in inefficiencies and unable to concentrate their resources on core business functions. This recently announced partnership is poised to alleviate these issues by introducing the online Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) service, StepBase.

Objectives of the Partnership

The new collaboration entails a referral agreement where Persol Business Process Design will work closely with Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank to promote the use of StepBase to the bank’s client companies. Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank will take charge of conducting client interviews, identifying their challenges, and making tailored proposals. In turn, Persol will provide insights from previous case studies to enhance understanding and facilitate the implementation of StepBase’s BPO services.

Through this partnership, the two entities will address multifaceted issues including labor shortages, productivity enhancement, utilization of IT tools, and recruitment support, all aimed at easing the operational burdens on regional enterprises while fostering a solid foundation for growth.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Persol Business Process Design is committed to improving the operational efficiency and productivity of SMEs in Gifu through this partnership. By developing a replicable model that benefits local businesses, the partnership aims to create structures that enhance sustainability and continuous operation. Moreover, the collaboration seeks to extend its framework with financial institutions, addressing pressing social issues such as talent shortages and the lag in digital transformation.

About the Online BPO Service, "StepBase"

StepBase is an innovative online service managed by Persol Business Process Design that focuses on the back-office processes of businesses. With a pool of experienced assistants directly employed by the company, StepBase eliminates the need for procedural documentation that often hampers outsourcing efforts. This service covers over 7,000 operational workflows in various areas, including recruitment, accounting, labor management, general affairs, secretarial work, sales, web development, and administrative tasks. By enabling companies to outsource specific tasks on an as-needed basis, StepBase significantly reduces personnel costs while allowing employees to concentrate on critical strategic activities.

About Persol Business Process Design, Inc.

Persol Business Process Design Inc. is dedicated to providing tailored BPO services by merging process design capabilities with organizational and talent management strengths, leveraging technologies like AI. The company’s mission is to innovate work and organizational structures to create a better working environment, contributing positively to society. As part of the broader Persol Group, which embraces the vision “Let’s Work and Smile,” the firm aims to address various aspects of human resources and promote the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs).