#Japan #Tokyo #TMJ #Recruit Agent #poshulou Lab.

Insights from the Field: The Seminar on Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

On July 15, 2025, TMJ (Tokyo, Japan), a part of the Secom Group specializing in contact center and back office operations, joined forces with Recruit Agent, part of Indeed Recruit Partners, to organize a notable seminar titled, "Learning from the Field: Advanced Practices in Employment for Individuals with Disabilities." This event underscored the commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces that accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Background of the Seminar

With recent changes in regulations, such as the increase in legally required employment rates for individuals with disabilities and mandatory reasonable accommodations, a growing number of companies are taking serious steps towards hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. However, despite this progress, many organizations still find it challenging to create a genuinely inclusive work environment. The seminar was conceived through the collaborative efforts of 'Recruit Agent,' which assists companies facing hiring challenges, and TMJ, focused on tackling social issues relating to employment for people with disabilities.

Overview of the Seminar

The seminar was conducted at two locations, Tokyo and Osaka (with the latter being livestreamed), primarily focusing on the clients of Recruit Agent. Over 100 participants engaged with key insights and success stories from various companies dedicated to the promotion of disability employment.

The event featured a keynote lecture from Tomoko Maho, a professor at Hosei University, who emphasized viewing disability employment as a vital part of human capital management. Drawing upon the concept of comparative advantage, she illustrated how focusing on individual strengths can enhance productivity. Furthermore, she pointed out the necessity for companies to adapt to the values of younger generations who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).

Case Studies Presented by Four Companies

1. Mynavi Partners: Transitioning the view of disability employment from an obligation to a choice, they successfully integrated over 80% of employees with mental and developmental disabilities, balancing reasonable accommodation with performance expectations. Their diverse job roles have expanded into automation and creative sectors.

2. Recruit Office Support: They have established a framework for nurturing and evaluating employees with disabilities, promoting staff into managerial positions. Methods like remote work and internships offer flexible employment options, positioning disability employment as a strategic business investment.

3. SHIFT: By advocating for job role expansion and process standardization, SHIFT harnesses AI to streamline operations while creating a platform for employees to thrive. They also provide mental health support and career development programs aimed at long-term retention in the workforce.

4. LIXIL: They view disability employment as a part of their corporate strategy, showcasing how their new graduate recruitment initiative has led to a cultural shift in the workplace, alongside introducing products and services designed from the perspective of individuals with disabilities.

The session transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Naoki Yamamoto, a content director at poshulou Lab, facilitating an engaging dialogue with attendees. Key takeaways revolved around the importance of starting with a mindset of "how can we make this possible" rather than focusing on limitations, and embracing disability employment as a means for evolving corporate culture and enhancing social value.

Practical innovations were shared during the session, including peer-support approaches at Mynavi Partners, positive interview environments at Recruit Office Support, potential-based hiring and development strategies at SHIFT, and cultural transformations at LIXIL.

During the networking session that followed, participants exchanged insights about their work, sharing challenges and successes to foster greater collaboration towards the advancement of disability employment nationwide.

Reflection from Event Management (Tsubasa Igawa, Product Manager at poshulou Lab)

Each organization represented shared a common goal of not only advocating for disability employment, but also creating an environment where individuals can thrive irrespective of their disabilities. This dedication resonated deeply, aligning with my vision for inclusivity. The enthusiastic exchange of ideas among representatives was a clear indicator of the communal significance in supporting one another in our efforts. I am committed to continuing initiatives that aid in building supportive environments for those striving to determine "how we can achieve this."

About poshulou Lab

poshulou Lab is a comprehensive system designed to manage various services related to disability employment within a single platform. It supports all stages of the employment process, from recruitment to workplace integration and ongoing operations.

For details on poshulou Lab, visit poshulou Lab.

About TMJ

Founded in 1992, TMJ emerged as a spin-off from Benesse Corporation, specializing in contact center operation with insights from quality management practices. In 2017, TMJ became a subsidiary of Secom Co., Ltd., enhancing its capabilities to support client success within a secure network. More information about TMJ can be found here.

Note: TMJ uses the terminology 'individuals with disabilities' to ensure accurate communication when reading via assistive technology, aligning with legal and governmental language standards. However, the seminar title reflects the naming conventions of the organizing entity.