Unveiling Japan's Top Young Workplace for 2025: Insights from the Best

Unveiling Japan's Top Young Workplace for 2025

In a recent report released by Great Place To Work® Institute Japan, the rankings for the most fulfilling workplaces for young employees in Japan for 2025 have been published. Frontier Holdings, a company located in Osaka, secured the top position in the medium-sized company category for three consecutive years, prompting an in-depth examination of what makes it so appealing for younger employees.

Overview of the Rankings

The 2025 rankings are derived from a comprehensive survey conducted from July 2023 to September 2024, assessing 657 companies. The evaluation is based on responses from employees aged 34 and under, focusing on both workplace comfort and job satisfaction. The top-ranking companies varied by size:

- Large Companies (1,000 or more employees):

- 1st: DISCO (Manufacturing, Tokyo)
- 2nd: SmartHR (Services, Tokyo)
- 3rd: Salesforce Japan (Information and Communication, Tokyo)

- Medium Companies (100-999 employees):

- 1st: Frontier Holdings (Real Estate, Osaka)
- 2nd: TechTouch (Information and Communication, Tokyo)
- 3rd: Box Japan (Information and Communication, Tokyo)

- Small Companies (25-99 employees):

- 1st: Health Basis (Information and Communication, Tokyo)
- 2nd: Event 21 (Services, Nara)
- 3rd: Mahalo (Unclassified Industry, Kanagawa)

These results reflect a growing recognition of the importance of enhancing work satisfaction among younger employees in retaining talent and improving organizational productivity.

Why Frontier Holdings Stands Out

So, what are the key strategies that have allowed Frontier Holdings to maintain its position as the number one workplace for young employees? Insights from their HR Director reveal several fundamental practices that contribute to a positive work environment.

Cultural Fit in Recruitment

One of the standout strategies employed by Frontier Holdings is their emphasis on recruiting individuals who resonate with the company’s core values. Emphasizing happiness rather than mere satisfaction, the organization actively seeks candidates who are aligned with their corporate philosophy of pursuing holistic employee happiness. This involves a detailed selection process where potential new hires engage in conversations centering around the company's vision and values.

Comprehensive Induction Process

To ensure that new employees feel integrated from the outset, Frontier Holdings extends their engagement efforts to potential hires even during the pre-employment period. Newly accepted candidates are welcomed to participate in practical work experiences as part of their onboarding. This proactive approach allows them to align expectations and cultivate a sense of belonging before their official start date.

Innovative Employee Engagement Practices

Another key to Frontier Holdings' success is their implementation of appreciation-driven initiatives, such as the 'Thank You Letter' cloud service, promoting gratitude among employees. This practice has resulted in over 20,000 messages exchanged monthly, creating a deep sense of connection among staff.

Connecting Philosophy and Daily Actions

Core to their operational framework is the 'Philosophy Training', which embeds the company's guiding principles into everyday actions within the workforce. Conducted biannually, these sessions allow employees at all levels to discuss and reflect on how their actions embody the company ethos.

The 'Reform Club'

Frontier Holdings also encourages ongoing dialogue through forums such as the 'Reform Club'. This weekly gathering promotes open discussion among employees, fostering a workplace culture where young staff can voice their ideas and concerns in a safe environment. It serves as a crucial platform for nurturing relationships across different levels and departments.

Conclusion

In a competitive labor market where talent retention is crucial, Frontier Holdings exemplifies how aligning company values with employee aspirations can yield impressive results. As a testament to their effective strategies, they have maintained a low turnover rate, successfully combining extensive hiring practices with meaningful employee engagement initiatives. As organizations contemplate how to create environments conducive to employee fulfillment, the practices of Frontier Holdings serve as an inspiring model.

For more insights and the complete rankings, visit Great Place to Work Japan.