Enhancing Corporate Value Through Employee Satisfaction: Miidas and Asahi Shimbun Launch 'Hataraku Hito First Award 2025'

The Miidas Corporation, a member of the Persol Group, with its motto 'Work and Smile', is partnering with Asahi Shimbun to co-host the 'Hataraku Hito First Award 2025'. This initiative celebrates companies that prioritize the well-being of their employees, responding to an increasing focus on work style reforms and human capital management.

Last year, the award attracted 3,627 participating companies, and in anticipation of continued support, the call for applications starts on May 19, 2025. The awards ceremony to honor exemplary organizations is scheduled for late February 2026.

All participating companies in this award will be offered free access to Miidas's unique Engagement Survey, the 'Hataraki-gai Survey'. This tool allows businesses to assess their employee satisfaction levels through both subjective assessments from the employees themselves and objective evaluations from the peers. This dual-perspective approach is a hallmark of the Miidas survey, offering comprehensive insights into employee engagement and work satisfaction.

What is the 'Hataraku Hito First Award'?

The 'Hataraku Hito First Award' recognizes companies dedicated to placing their employees' needs at the forefront. By showcasing their strategies and practices, the award aims to promote a work environment that respects and values each individual's contributions to the workforce. As Japan strives for economic growth, there is a growing momentum to enhance workplace conditions through structural reforms, salary increases, and a keen focus on the human aspect of work.

Recent surveys from Miidas indicate that 81.1% of respondents believe the definition of 'job satisfaction' has diversified since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 90% affirm that promoting varied work satisfaction is imperative. Moreover, about 25% of the respondents felt that traditional engagement surveys do not allow them to express their true opinions, citing concerns over the lack of actionable changes following their feedback. Traditional surveys often mix subjective and objective evaluations, undermining the ability to identify precise issues within the workplace.

To address these challenges, Miidas provides the 'Hataraki-gai Survey', enabling businesses to uncover their employees’ genuine sentiments and catalyze improvements in workplace environments. This approach has gained traction since the introduction of the award two years ago, garnering affirmation from 3,627 companies last year, with 1,727 entries prepared to share their best practices.

How to Participate in the Award

Companies can participate in two unique ways:
1. Support the 'Hataraku Hito First Declaration': Firms can publicly announce their commitment to valuing their employees' diverse needs and voices.
2. Apply for the 'Hataraku Hito First Award': Firms can apply by sharing specific initiatives and striving for the award.

Benefits of Joining the Award

Participating companies can showcase their commitment by displaying the 'Hataraku Hito First Declaration' badge on their websites, signifying their dedication to prioritizing workers' needs. Moreover, companies that agree to the declaration will be acknowledged in Miidas’s mid-career recruitment platform, making it easier to attract potential job applicants.

To apply, companies must first express their support for the declaration and then implement the 'Hataraki-gai Survey.' Successful participants will enjoy various benefits, including opportunities to present at the awards ceremony, feature their initiatives on dedicated web pages, and participate in Miidas-sponsored seminars.

About Miidas

Founded in April 2019, Miidas Inc. drives innovation in the HR field within the Persol Group, developing recruitment and employment solutions that reduce mismatches and enhance the professional success of employees. The company has received multiple awards, including the Best Prize in the Professional Recruitment and Employment Sector at the HR Award 2019 and excellent recognition in the HR Technology Awards 2023.

For more details and updates, visit the official Miidas website: Miidas Official Site. For specific award participation, check out the dedicated site: Hataraku Hito First Award.