Expectations toward New Human Resource Management Systems– With Development Circle of Individuals' Ideas about the Future Altogether
The views of the union were reflected in the "Development Circle" project, and I am indirectly involved through the provision of information. Particular emphasis is placed on initiatives to ensure that every individual is heard. For example, there are female-only meetings to give female workers opportunities to express themselves freely.
Generally there is no gender discrimination in human resource management systems. However, there are cases in which female workers find it difficult to reconcile their life plans with their career plans. For example, it may be difficult for female workers with children to work in certain jobs or at certain sites. Even if a system appears good at first glance, it will be useless unless it is seen to be good by the people who work under it.
Fortunately Olympus has a culture based on mutual respect. Those working in large organizations cannot expect to be able to achieve 100% of employees' aspirations. However, I believe Olympus appears to have created an environment that allows the goals of individuals to be reconciled as far as possible with the goals of the organization so that everyone can reach his or her full potential. As an employee, and as someone with a sense of participation in that culture, I intend to do everything I can to reinforce it.
Shinobu Namba
Tokyo Branch Representative, Olympus Labor Union
Comment from a person involved in development of the new system
Kenya Mori,
Deputy Section Manager, Planning Group, Human Resource Department, Business Support Division, Corporate Center, Olympus Corporation
The goal management system is like an operating system that will allow Olympus to achieve sustainable growth. By implementing human resource utilization policies under this system, we will create operational infrastructure within which individual workers, including young employees, females and those in older age groups, will be able to achieve their full potential. We will use that infrastructure as the basis for the formulation of a variety of related measures.
End of main content
