The Importance of Goal Setting for Japanese Workers: Boosting Productivity and Happiness

In an alarming discovery, a new survey conducted by Mizukara—a company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo—highlights that almost 40% of working adults in Japan do not have specific goals at work. This lack of direction has significant implications for productivity and overall satisfaction among employees. The findings suggest that the inability to set clear objectives may be a fundamental bottleneck hindering Japan's labor productivity and happiness levels.

The Survey Findings

The survey targeted 500 working adults aged between 25 and 59, excluding part-time and temporary workers. With many companies reaching the midpoint of their fiscal year, many employees are reflecting on their performance and setting goals for the next half. However, findings revealed that only 60% of respondents actually establish objectives at the beginning of the period. The remaining 40% engage in vague work without any definitive targets, a trend that correlates with Japan's well-documented low labor productivity.

Interestingly, the quality of goal-setting varies widely. While 10.6% of participants set ambitious, challenging goals, a significant number (20.4%) settle for merely achievable objectives, while 12.8% passively accept targets imposed by the company. This suggests that many employees adopt a reactive rather than proactive approach to their careers. Conversely, those who dare to set higher goals can distinguish themselves among their peers.

Correlation Between Work and Life Goals

Mizukara’s survey also explored the connection between professional goal-setting and life goals. Results showed that individuals who actively set high standards in their work often reflect this approach in their personal lives as well. In fact, 83.7% of workers without work objectives also forgo setting personal life goals. This finding suggests a link between achievement in the workplace and overall life satisfaction, where successful professional challenges enhance clarity and ambition in personal ambitions.

The Impact of Goal Setting on Happiness

In addition, the survey's results echo findings from a 2025 happiness survey conducted by Harvard University, which ranked Japan last among 22 countries in terms of happiness. This low satisfaction largely correlates with the nation’s productivity challenges. Alarmingly, happiness levels are notably low among young adults, particularly those aged 20 to 40. However, the recent findings from Mizukara now shed light on a silver lining: individuals who prioritize life goals report significantly higher levels of happiness. Approximately 60% of those with clear personal goals rated their happiness highly, with 13.2% claiming a perfect score of 10.

Having defined life goals allows individuals to establish benchmarks for their happiness. Happiness is inherently subjective, so the perception of similar experiences can differ widely among individuals based on their established goals.

Goal Setting as a Measure of Progress

Setting goals serves not as constraints but as milestones that affirm daily progress. Clarifying one’s direction offers insight into whether one is advancing or regressing. The real essence of happiness may lie in this tangible feeling of progress, arising from the pursuit of set objectives, while achieving goals becomes a welcomed bonus.

In light of these findings, it becomes increasingly important for individuals to initiate the practice of setting ambitious work-related goals. By publicly declaring these goals, one may attract support from colleagues and peers, fostering a collaborative environment. Ultimately, just by incorporating goal-setting into their professional lives, employees can pave the way toward enhancing Japan's national productivity and happiness levels. The primary missing element in Japan seems to be the transformative ‘dream’ that goal-setting can inspire.

Conclusion

Mizukara, established in July 2019, aims to unlock the potential of individuals through its various coaching services. By addressing the low work engagement levels in Japan, Mizukara promotes not just personal growth but facilitates a comprehensive approach to life satisfaction, including organizational coaching and training programs.

For further inquiries or media coverage requests, please contact Mizukara at [email protected] or visit Mizukara’s website.