i. What is Horiba's corporate culture like?
Each employee embodies the corporate motto "Omoshiro Okashiku" (Joy and Fun) both on and off the job. Our open environment facilitates frequent employee communication. From time to time, we do exchange strong opinions to achieve our goals, but the company embraces everyone's individuality irrespective of gender, nationality, and employment status. Another trait of the corporate culture is close, friendly communication between corporate officers and employees.
ii. Does the company offer a training program?
Upon joining Horiba, you will participate in New Employee Training or Mid-Career Employee Training. As you proceed with your career, we provide career training after you obtain the relevant qualifications. There is also HORIBA COLLEGE, where you can further develop your expertise and skills.
iii. Does Horiba transfer or relocate employees?
We may transfer or relocate employees, either inside or outside Japan, for the purpose of advancing their careers or having them acquire or share skills. However, since most development, production, and administration operations are done in the Headquarters area, relocations outside the Headquarters area account for only 20% of all relocations. If you are assigned to domestic sales or service, you may be transferred anywhere in Japan. If you wish, you may ask for a transfer by speaking with your supervisor or by making use of the job posting program, which offers positions in different divisions.
iv. Will I have career consultation opportunities with my superior or HR?
You may consult with them at the annual interview that takes place between the end of August and the last day of September. At that time, you can objectively assess your current career and skills, update your career roadmap, and obtain the support of your office, superior, and the Human Resources Division for career-related family issues and workstyle adjustments.
v. What kind of work will women be assigned to?
Regardless of gender, all employees are assigned to work that is suited to their specializations and aptitudes. Women are now chosen for work that was previously carried out only by men; they now play active roles in a wider variety of work.
vi. What kind of work will women be assigned to after returning from maternity leave?
The basic principle is that women coming back from maternity leave will return to the division that they left. However, the company may expect them to play an active role in a new division depending on the workforce situation upon their return or based on their careers. Before returning to the office, she will talk with her superior, who will decide her position while taking into account her home situation and vision for her future career.
viii. Do I need foreign language skills?
Based on current economic trends, we predict that the ability to speak English will become even more necessary. Within the HORIBA Group, international group company employees account for 62% of all employees. We frequently communicate with other group companies and clients through video conferences, phone calls, email, and business trips. We also encourage our employees to learn a second foreign language, with English being the first.
x. What about work outside Japan?
We offer a one-year training program at international group companies for employees in their late 20s and early 30s. There is also a two-to-five-year dispatch program; under this program, employees are assigned to do work specified by international group companies. To participate in either program, you must continue to develop not only your language skills but also knowledge and skills that are useful for work outside Japan.