#Japan #Tokyo #Marui Group #Step Up Leave #Employee Growth

Marui Group's Innovative Leave System

In an effort to foster creativity and personal growth among its employees, Marui Group, led by CEO Hiroshi Aoi, has introduced an innovative long-term leave system called "Step Up Leave." This initiative aims to provide employees with the opportunity to explore their passions and reflect on their careers in a supportive environment.

Understanding the 'Step Up Leave' System

The "Step Up Leave" is designed not only for self-improvement but also serves as a chance for individuals to delve into their interests or reassess their career paths. This program includes two distinct courses to cater to various personal and professional aspirations:

1. Self-Improvement Course: This course is geared towards individual challenges and personal growth, providing employees with the resources to develop skills and knowledge.

2. Career Reflection & Passion Exploration Course: This course focuses on enabling employees to reconsider their career trajectories while exploring their interests in greater detail.

Employees can choose the appropriate course based on their goals and circumstances, allowing for tailored personal development.

Support for Participants

To alleviate the financial burden on employees seeking to take advantage of this leave, Marui Group offers special allowances for unused annual paid leave accumulated over the last three years. This means that employees can use their prior leave days during their “Step Up Leave” period. Furthermore, to encourage further academic pursuits, Marui Group is set to partially subsidize the costs of acquiring professional degrees, such as an MBA. This subsidy will match the employee's benefits under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Training Grant System, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder employee development.

Purpose and Background of the Initiative

Marui Group operates under the philosophy that the growth of individuals enshrines the growth of the business. Historically, the company has promoted learning and development through a previous self-improvement leave initiative aimed at employees pursuing education or qualifications. However, challenges arose due to financial burdens and restrictive eligibility criteria, making access to this leave difficult.

Recognizing the importance of supporting employees' personal interests, Marui Group has committed to a business strategy centered around "supporting employee passions." This newly established "Step Up Leave" program broadens the scope of personal development to include a more holistic approach where employees can nurture their passions alongside their professional growth.

By embracing diverse experiences, such as exploring different cultures or engaging in activities outside of the workplace, employees can gain valuable insights that can contribute to their careers and personal lives upon their return from leave.

Marui Group's Ongoing Commitment

As Marui Group executes this initiative, it remains dedicated to cultivating a workplace where creativity flourishes. The company aims to balance impact and profitability while encouraging each employee to make meaningful contributions to the business.

About Marui Group

• - Company Name: Marui Group Co., Ltd.
• - Headquarters: 4-3-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo, 164-8701
• - Phone Number: 03(3384)0101
• - Website: https://www.0101maruigroup.co.jp/
• - CEO: Hiroshi Aoi
• - Key Subsidiaries: Epos Card Co., Ltd., Marui Co., Ltd., M&C System Co., Ltd., among others.