The Japanese Work Ethic
Written by Nawika Sharma
Mount Fuji pic by JJ Ying
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of meeting individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Among them, the Japanese have left an indelible mark on me. One common trait that consistently amazed me and shed light on why Japan is one of the most developed nations in the world is their unwavering commitment towards work and their profound respect for time. The level of dedication and reverence they exhibit towards both their companies and work as well as attention to detail is unparalleled. Experiencing this first hand on multiple occasions has made me realize that if we, as a nation, aspire to progress, we must all embrace and embody this quality in our lives.
To emphasize this point, allow me to share an anecdote without revealing the individual involved. I was invited by a Japanese firm, in India, to train a senior member who would be in the country for six months. The training sessions focused on English communication and Indian culture. As the sessions progressed, a strong working relationship developed between us. However, one day I noticed that he seemed uncomfortable, frequently excusing himself and stepping out every 10 or 15 minutes. Concerned, I inquired about his well-being. He assured me that he was fine, but when this pattern repeated itself several times, I delved deeper and discovered that he was suffering from a stomach flu.
Suggesting that we could suspend the session and that he should take a day off however, he adamantly refused. Growing increasingly worried, I decided to inform his training coordinator about the situation. The coordinator promptly contacted the company headquarters in Japan to explain the circumstances. Shortly afterward, my trainee received a call from his HR department, granting him permission to take a day off, effectively concluding the training session.
During our subsequent meeting, he expressed gratitude for my concern, prompting me to ask why he had not left the session immediately upon falling ill. His response struck a chord within me. He explained that his company had invested a considerable amount of money in his training, and he considered it his duty to give his best, even when faced with adversity.
This incident remains etched in my memory, and it is not an isolated occurrence. Repeatedly, during my interactions and training sessions with the Japanese, I have witnessed their deep sense of commitment to their work, their profound respect for time, and their sense of responsibility towards their workplace. These exemplary qualities have left an enduring impression on me, reinforcing the importance of embodying such values in our professional and personal lives.