by Kalli Silver

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

Having been working in a Japanese company, I have not encountered managers using underhand means to make me work overtime like mad. There are some things that can be made from my experience in two of them.

1. Always show respect to those in the authorative levels. Bowing to them will tell them that you respect them. They will nod their heads or bow a small degree to acknowledge that you have done your part.

2. Depending on the company's core business, a factory-styled company will have morning and afternoon breaks. However, ensure that the breaks are taken within the official time. Take any longer and you will be warned by your supervisor (if he/she protects you, no warning letter). There have been times when emails were sent out to "inform" us that we were to stick to the offical timing or the privilege would be removed.

3. Lateness will be issued warning letters. Tardiness will make you in their little black books. So, ensure that you are early and at your desk even if the official starting time is 15 minutes away. I noticed that the manager or the director would be at their desks, I never know what they are so busy about.

4. Name tags must be worn on well-placed positions at all times. If it's not placed visibly, your chest risked being targeted by the finger. A lady once got it from a male VIP. She never continued her stay after that.

5. Promotions to higher levels are rare unless you are the most favoured by the top management. The average takes about 2 years to be promoted. Some never got promoted because of various reasons.

6. Overtime is always seen as a sign of a good worker. I was once told to work overtime even if there wasn't anything to do that required me to work after office hours. I was to commit at least 12 hours per month. Only after the economy down turn 2 years later were we instructed to reduce overtime to nil or little hours. Anyone's overtime per month that amounted to more than 100 hours was questioned.

7. Never expect the pay to be comparable to market rate. You will be very disappointed.

8. No personal stuff should be displayed on the desks. Only work-related stuff such as computer, keyboard, etc.

9. There are quite a number of plant shutdowns throughout the year, especially for factories. It usually takes about 4 days and part of the days will be deducted from your annual leave. The holidays would still be observed based on the country it is located.

Although what I've stated above sounds depressing about working in such company, there is a difference because of the culture. Their culture is such that if you work hard, the company will keep you. However, the same branch in different countries may have different culture to suit the locals. Some still have Japanese directors or managing directors to report back to the headquarters. They are still more comfortable with their own people.

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