#Japan #Tokyo #New Employees #Alue #Career Plans

Addressing the Gap: Insights from New Graduate Survey in Japan

In a world where job transitions have become commonplace and work-life balance is prioritized, Alue Inc., a Tokyo-based company specializing in education services, has conducted a survey involving new graduates set to join the workforce in 2025. This reveals both the concerns new hires face and their future career intentions, shedding light on the contemporary employment landscape in Japan.

Survey Background

As the labor market evolves, the perception of job switching has shifted positively. Many individuals now place significant weight on proactive career development and enriching their personal lives. This shift is crucial given Japan’s demographic challenges, including an aging population and labor shortages. The increase in pro-retirement services has also made early departures from companies more palpable, raising concerns among employers about retaining younger employees.

To gain a deeper understanding of new hires' anxieties and career aspirations, Alue carried out this study. Remarkably, around half of the respondents expressed uncertainties related to their jobs and interpersonal relations at work. Nonetheless, 44.9% of employees at smaller firms and 60% at larger corporations expressed their intention to remain in their current positions long-term.

Key Findings

1. Concerns of New Hires

Participants predominantly expressed worries about their ability to perform duties effectively and integrate well with colleagues, irrespective of company size. They also indicated apprehensions regarding work-life balance and workplace relationships.

2. Perceived Gaps Between Pre-Employment and Post-Employment Reality

An intriguing finding is that about 45% of new hires felt a disconnect between their pre-employment expectations and their actual experiences after joining the company, regardless of the firm’s size.

3. Specific Areas of Discrepancy

Common discrepancies identified include perceptions of overtime expectations and the provision of training and advancement opportunities. These points were raised consistently among all respondents.

4. Anticipated Support from Employers

To bridge the gaps they’re experiencing, new hires expressed a desire for specific types of support from their companies. They hope to have access to consultations with mentors, supervisors, and human resources professionals.

5. Career Aspirations

When asked about their career plans, the majority across various firm sizes hoped to remain with their current employer. Yet approximately 20% of them viewed changing jobs, or becoming independent, as a viable option at some point in their careers.

6. Usage of Job Transition Services

Interestingly, around 70% of respondents indicated they would not utilize job transition services if they decided to switch jobs, highlighting a preference for self-reliance amidst uncertainties.

Survey Overview

• - Data Collection Period: April 15-17, 2025
• - Methodology: Online questionnaire
• - Respondents: 412 new hires starting in April 2025
• - Firm Size Distribution: Approximately 49.8% from large firms (1,000+ employees) and 50.2% from smaller firms (under 1,000 employees).

About Alue Inc.

Founded with a mission to unlock the potential of individuals for a more promising world, Alue Inc. focuses on enhancing human resources through tailored educational programs. Our activities encompass a wide range of training solutions aimed at various professional levels, from fresh recruits to executives. By delivering thematic training on global and digital transformation skills, along with e-learning platforms like “etudes,” we strive to support organizational and personal growth from the ground up. Customized solutions are designed to tackle a diverse set of challenges faced by our clients.

For more information about our initiatives, visit Alue Inc..