#Japan #Tokyo #Employee Satisfaction #Tokyo Grants #Young Talent

Enhanced Employee Satisfaction Grants in Tokyo

In an effort to improve Employee Satisfaction (ES) and secure young talent, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Tokyo Work Foundation, has initiated a new subsidy program for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program is designed for those businesses aiming to enhance their employee welfare programs, focusing on housing, meals, and health services. The first call for applications for this fiscal year started on August 18, 2023, and remains open until November 14, 2023, with funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to 30 companies.

Objectives of the Program

The primary goal of this initiative is to bolster ES through improved welfare benefits, thus ensuring better retention rates and recruitment of young employees. The program will provide:
1. Expert Consultation: Companies will receive expert advice tailored to creating a strategic plan for implementing practices that enhance employee satisfaction. This includes up to three consultations per company.
2. Financial Aid for Initiatives: SMEs that complete a plan and take actionable steps towards improving ES—such as providing housing, meals, or health services—can receive financial support for up to three years. The grant covers up to 300,000 JPY per year with the condition that 50% of the expenses are borne by the company itself.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the subsidies, companies must meet specific criteria, including:

• - Young Employee Ratio: The proportion of employees under the age of 35 must not exceed 30% of the total workforce.
• - Recruitment Numbers: The total number of young hires over the last three years must be less than 10% of the total workforce.
• - Recent Recruitment Efforts: Companies must have engaged in recruitment activities that include young talent within the past year.

The application process requires that a minimum of two qualifying initiatives from specified categories are enacted for the grant to be approved. It is essential that more than 50% of the expenses are covered by the applicant company.

Application Process

Interested companies can access detailed guidelines and application forms via the program's official website: ES Improvement Program. Applications can be submitted electronically or by postal mail.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, businesses may contact the Tokyo Work Foundation's Employment Environment Improvement Division at:

• - Address: 11th Floor, Sumitomo Real Estate Iidabashi Ekimae Building, 3-8-5 Iidabashi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0072.
• - Phone: 03-5211-0397 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM except 12:00 - 1:00 PM).

This program represents a significant investment in the future workforce of Tokyo, potentially transforming the landscape of employee retention and satisfaction. By prioritizing the needs and welfare of employees, businesses can build a more committed and motivated workforce, essential for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.