働き方改革 - Workstyle Transformation in Japan

On June 25th Lenovo Japan held an event to launch the new 2019 Think Products in Japan. In-line with our commitment to help employees be able to work anywhere, anytime; we released these products with this goal in mind.

In a survey of over 6000 Japanese companies, we found that 88% of Japanese companies do not currently allow employees to work remotely primarily due to technology restrictions/ Important to note, they would be willing to allow teleworking if they had the right products and infrastructure. Think products are built to alleviate the problems of teleworking by offering features and technology that enable employers and employees to implement remote working meetings and collaboration.

In a country like Japan that does not yet have the same rate of adoption for remote working compared with other countries (less than 5% of employees work remotely in Japan), it is crucial that we work with the ecosystem partners here to enable Japanese companies to empower their employees to work from anywhere. Remote work programs lead to higher workplace satisfaction and flexible schedules that allow parents to spend more time with their children and working mothers to re-join the workforce.

The ThinkPad X1 series (2019 model) is perfect for workers on the go as it includes world-leading durability in both our Carbon fiber models and our new and stylish aluminum body ThinkPad X1 Yoga (2019). The ThinkPad Privacy Guard, which protects user data from prying eyes, can be activated and deactivated with a simple press of a button. Worker mobility is additionally supported with accessories such as our newly announced 14” mobile monitor the ThinkVision M14 and previously announced battery pack and portable Bluetooth speaker and teleconference device.

We have focused specifically on the sound system of the ThinkPad X1 series and the ThinkSmart Hub 500 with Zoom Rooms to offer an optimal online meeting experience for users. The ThinkPad X1 series is equipped with a powerful 4 speaker Dolby Atmos Speaker System, and 4 strategically placed mics that help effectively capture the users voice wherever they are. The SmartHub is not only preinstalled with Zoom Rooms that make interface navigation easier, it also boasts a 360 mic and high-quality speakers.

I always tell my team that we cannot claim to be a provider of work style products and technology if we don't believe in the concept ourselves. We cannot believe it if we don't practice it. Since joining Lenovo NEC Japan last year, we have implemented new programs such as 4:30 Friday where employees are encouraged to go home earlier every Friday, and the popular FriYay! where we invite guest speakers and hold activities for our employees to participate in, and increase cross-company communication. We also provide support for club activities (such as futsal, English club, Photography club etc) to help the employees create their own communities and support networks.

To further promote true wor style transformation and to achieve our goal of becoming "THE BEST PLACE TO WORK IN JAPAN!", we’ve announced our participation in TELEWORKDAYS (Organized by Japan's Ministry of Affairs).

During TELEWORKDAYS, businesses are encouraged by the government to allot 2 weeks of telework between mid-July to the beginning of September.

Next year we are taking an even BOLDER STEP: During the Tokyo Olympics, we will be giving the employees 2 extra holidays (9 days total) and for the entire 19 days, employees will all be encouraged to work from home. All Lenovo Japan Group employees (2000+) can work remotely during last week of July and the first week of August, and Fridays during the period will be a special “support the Olympics!” holiday for the employees. For those who want/have to come to the office, the Olympics will be playing on TVs around the office.

By cultivating a work culture that encourages employees to maintain a good life balance, we can transform the workplace into one that helps provide them a better quality of life.  I want to show other Japanese employers that telework results in better results and that Lenovo NEC Japan truly is the best place to work in Japan.