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BCCJ MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: ROBERT WALTERS JAPAN Managing Director Jeremy Sampson discusses candidate-centric hiring market in a post-pandemic world
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ver the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically shaped the way we live our lives, particularly when it comes to work-life and style. It has increased demand for digital technologies and software, remote work has become the norm, and the expectations of candidates have changed. It seems like this new landscape is here to stay. As a country that is renowned for tough workplaces, a specific work culture and long working hours, how has Japan adapted to this drastic shift in work style? BCCJ ACUMEN spoke with Jeremy Sampson, managing director of Robert Walters Japan—a leading recruitment agency that specialises in permanent and contract recruitment solutions across all industries and sectors—to discuss the post-pandemic recruitment landscape, how Japanese companies should be adapting to fit the “new normal” and the future of the hiring market in Japan.
“Much has changed because of Covid-19, and it is timely for organisations to reflect and refresh their values, mission, and vision to fit in today’s context”. good company culture is now more important. There’s also more emphasis on the values that an organisation aligns with, particularly among the younger generation. “Employees care more about what a potential employer is doing in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I), environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility”, he noted.
“Traditional benefits, high salaries and brand power are no longer a guarantee to attract potential candidates. Companies will need to re-examine how they articulate their employee value proposition (EVP) and whether this resonates with potential candidates. It is truly a candidate’s market and professionals with specialised, technical skills are in high demand across all industries and sectors. “Much has changed because of Covid-19, and it is timely for organisations to reflect and refresh their values, mission, and vision to fit in today’s context”. Hybrid challenge While Sampson expressed that companies all over the world adapted rapidly to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are still some factors of hybrid or remote work that prove difficult. Employee engagement and
Finding balance One of the most notable changes in the recruitment industry brought about by the pandemic is the shift in priorities and expectations among professionals. Globally there has been more importance placed on work-life balance, and the need for a fulfilling and satisfying role. Sampson explained: “What we are seeing is a shift in focus towards work-life balance and fulfilling work. In our annual Salary Survey, we ask professionals what they value most in an employer. For 2022, the top values were challenging and interesting work, inspiring colleagues and company culture, and work flexibility”. Sampson noted that the change in candidate expectations has resulted in an increasing number of professionals making the decision to move from larger companies to smaller, lesser-known organisations. Why? Sampson explained that the desire for gratifying work, inspiring colleagues and Robert Walters was awarded Technical and Industrial Recruitment Company of the Year, as well as the Diversity and Inclusion Recruitment Company of the Year at the 2021 TALiNT International Annual Recruitment Awards
24 bccj acumen, may/june 2022
