#Japan #Tokyo #Timee #Disability Employment #SHIPS

Innovative Approach to Disability Employment

Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, Timee, a company based in Minato, Tokyo, is partnering with Ships, another Tokyo-based firm, to explore innovative employment solutions for individuals with disabilities. This project will commence in March 2026 and focuses on utilizing on-demand work to facilitate employment opportunities with reduced psychological barriers.

Background of the Initiative

As part of a gradual transition to long-term employment, various support systems currently exist for individuals with disabilities, including workplace training and government funding for trial employment. However, traditional practices often require lengthy, unpaid training periods, making it challenging for both the employees and employers to assess compatibility. This frequently results in misconceptions and mismatches when individuals join companies. Moreover, the psychological hurdles associated with trial employment lasting several months can deter both parties from moving forward.

In response, the collaboration between Timee and Ships aims to address these challenges by implementing a work model that invites individuals to experience actual job tasks without the traditional prerequisites of resumes or interviews.

Goals and Objectives

The primary aim of this validation project is to transform the anxieties experienced by individuals with disabilities into confidence, ultimately leading to a stable and enduring presence in the workforce.

1. Ensuring Psychological Safety: By providing real job experiences, individuals can better understand what to expect in the workplace, thus alleviating concerns regarding potential gaps in their employment journey.

2. Cultivating Work Enthusiasm: Engaging in tasks as meaningful work will foster a sense of responsibility and enhance self-reliance, motivating individuals to pursue employment opportunities more aggressively.

3. Facilitating Progressive Steps: Initiating work opportunities on a one-day basis allows individuals to ease into the workforce without the overwhelming pressure of committing to long-term employment right away.

Implementation Framework

Collaborating Companies

The validation project will be implemented in close coordination with:

• - Ships: As an employer, Ships will provide job locations and tasks.
• - Timee: Timee will manage the matching platform, monitoring efficacy and results.
• - Support Organizations: Disability welfare service organizations will help select candidates and provide ongoing support before and after employment.
• - Disability Advocacy Groups: Input from representatives of individuals with disabilities will guide the process, ensuring that their perspectives are included.

Research Methodology

Utilizing Timee's unique “limited-access” feature, only users from select disability welfare service organizations will be able to view and apply for these positions. This ensures that employers can prepare adequately by understanding the specific needs and considerations of potential employees, creating a supportive environment for their first day of work.

Job Tasks and Skills Application

Timee will deploy its extensive experience in identify job tasks that necessitate minimal special skills and are approachable even for first-time workers. Tasks such as packing, tagging, and picking items within apparel logistics centers, previously offered by Ships through Timee's platform, will be used as part of this new model. Any necessary accommodations, like adjusting break times, will be offered in line with the specific needs of candidates.

Timeline

Recruitment and matching processes will begin in March 2026, and after a defined period, findings on changes in perceptions for both workers and employers will be documented and analyzed.

Meet the Team Members

Shota Higashino - Team Leader, Timee Super Support Team

Shota joined LITALICO in 2014, supporting individuals with disabilities. After engaging in various roles, he joined Timee in 2024 to lead strategies for integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce.

Chiho Mita - Team Member, Timee Super Support Team

With a background in educational psychology and special education, Chiho has been involved in the education and employment support of individuals with disabilities since 2016, taking a managerial role at Timee since 2024.

Masashi Yamaguchi - Local Revitalization Group, Timee

After graduating from Waseda University, Masashi worked at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. He joined Timee in 2024 to lead projects supporting employment for those facing job acquisition challenges.

About Timee and Ships

Timee

Founded in August 2017, Timee focuses on connecting individuals looking for flexible jobs with employers through an easy application process that eliminates traditional employment barriers. More details can be found at Timee Corporate.

Ships

Established in 1975, Ships operates as a prominent apparel retailer in Japan known for their concept of "Stylish Standard." The company combines a selection of domestic and international brands to provide a unique shopping experience, also available online.

Conclusion

This innovative collaboration between Timee and Ships is expected to pioneer new pathways for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, aiming for a more inclusive workforce that recognizes and harnesses the unique talents of all individuals.