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Brother's New Workshop Initiative: The Hottarakashi Forest

In response to modern workplace dynamics, Brother Industries, through its subsidiary Brother Sales, has launched an innovative program designed to enhance organizational strength via improved communication and employee autonomy. Named Hottarakashi no Mori, this workshop seeks to foster a self-sustaining ecosystem of communication within organizations.

As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse, with individuals bringing a range of values and backgrounds, many companies are suffering from poor communication and a decline in employee engagement. Such issues can lead to reduced productivity and higher turnover rates. The Hottarakashi no Mori program focuses on the foundational aspects of trust and growth, adopting a hands-on approach to create improved workplace relations and a sense of community among employees.

Key Features of the Hottarakashi no Mori Workshop

1. Learning Communication Techniques and Self-Discovery
To tackle organizational challenges, trust is paramount. Establishing trust necessitates understanding one another through mutual respect, self-disclosure, empathy, and constructive feedback. The workshop incorporates various curricula that encourage participants to naturally practice these essential elements, thereby learning effective communication techniques and uncovering their own competencies.

2. Skill Development for Practical Application
Addressing organizational issues also requires a focus on growth. A lack of self-driven personnel often stems from employees not personalizing their work or showcasing their individuality. The Hottarakashi no Mori program equips participants with strategies to apply their skills in real work scenarios, enhancing their motivation and self-confidence, ultimately fostering a workforce of autonomous individuals.

Development Background of the Hottarakashi no Mori Workshop

The Hottarakashi no Mori initiative emerged from Brother's internal new business development team, driven by common challenges faced in today’s complex work environment. The team recognized widespread issues such as communication gaps, declining engagement, and increasing turnover. Engaging deeply with these challenges, the team worked meticulously to shape a workshop that could deliver tangible improvements.

To validate the concept, they conducted tests with 172 participants and gathered feedback through questionnaires. An impressive 88% of respondents indicated they would want this training implemented if they were HR personnel, particularly highlighting high satisfaction among younger employees. Positive comments like “I could reflect on my behavioral traits” and “It offered a great opportunity to deepen my self and others' understanding” were common, proving the workshop's relevance and impact.

Traditionally, corporate training has been top-down, focusing on skills that align with company demands. While such training is still necessary, this initiative believes in empowering employees to engage with their unique traits and contribute actively to fostering organizational strength. By emphasizing communication and individual expression, the bottom-up approach of this workshop ensures that participants feel encouraged and engaged, often leading to a more dynamic learning environment.

Service Overview

Plan A:

• - Includes: Multi-Relation Training (3 hours) and Networking Event (1.5 hours)
• - Pricing:

- Up to 10 participants: ￥300,000
- 11-20 participants: ￥500,000
(Excluding food and drinks, tax excluded)

Plan B:

• - Includes: Multi-Relation Training (3 hours), Networking Event (1.5 hours), and Job Fit Training (3 hours)
• - Pricing:

- Up to 10 participants: ￥500,000
- 11-20 participants: ￥800,000
(Excluding food and drinks, tax excluded)

For more details, visit the Hottarakashi no Mori special page.

Upcoming Event

The Hottarakashi no Mori workshop will be showcased at the 15th Work Style Reform Expo from June 25 to 27, 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight, Booth 17-14. For event details, check the Work Style Reform Expo site.