2025/02/10
Last October, our company held AISIN Group Women's Networking Event. This networking event has been organized by our company since last year, and aims to encourage participants to share their thoughts and concerns, gain inspiration and hints for career development, and form connections within the group. A total of 39 people participated from six group companies*, including five female managers, 24 general employees, and 10 observers. From our company, two managers and 10 members of the "Kirari" working group to promote women's participation in the workforce participated.
* AISIN, AISIN, AISIN, Hosei Brake Industry, AISIN Logitec Service, ADVICS
At the networking event, participants were divided into groups and shared their thoughts and concerns on themes such as work style, promotion, and balancing work and family life. They were seen listening intently to the advice and experiences of senior employees and bursting into smiles.
This story came up!
Career Development
Has there been a major career change?
When I was recommended for promotion to a managerial position, I was actually very worried. But when I honestly discussed my various concerns with my superiors and female senior managers, they told me, "All the members should just work hard!", which made me feel happy and enabled me to take on the challenge of a managerial position with a positive attitude.
I am planning to accompany my husband on his overseas posting, but I am worried that my own career will come to a halt.
We have an employee in our company who will be accompanying his/her spouse on a similar overseas posting. By taking on work from our company as a self-employed individual, we plan to enable that employee to continue his/her career. Please feel free to talk to your HR department about this!
Management
What do you keep in mind as a manager?
I share information closely with both my subordinates and superiors, and make various decisions after listening to their opinions. Although I sometimes come home earlier than my subordinates because I have to take care of my children, I always act with the awareness that "if my subordinates are in trouble, I will definitely help them."
What kind of workplace is it?
Work is done as a team. If you have any worries, talk to your team members, ask for help, or even complain! It's up to you to change the "color" of your team.
Balancing work and family life
My husband is away on business, so I'm taking care of the kids on my own while working part-time. It's a tough life.
It's really tough, isn't it? Before the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was no telecommuting, I worked reduced hours to take care of my twins. I was careful not to cause trouble for my colleagues, and I carried out my work by clearly prioritizing. It's also important to accept that "there are things I can't do."
How do you and your spouse divide responsibilities?
In my household, the division of housework and childcare duties is "my husband in the morning, and me in the evening." I go to work early in the morning to ensure I have enough time to work. It would be good to discuss this with your partner and workplace and establish a lifestyle that is not too difficult.
Impressions from participating employees
Below are some comments from employees who participated in the networking event.
・The core employees I spoke to were energetic and positive, and I was very inspired. I also learned that there is no right answer when it comes to work-life balance, and that it is important to always think for yourself and choose your career. The activities of the Women's Participation Promotion Working Group have reached their climax, and we will continue to work toward creating opportunities for individuals to think for themselves and choose their careers.
・It was a valuable opportunity to hear from female employees active in various departments of AISIN Group. Although each company and department has its own characteristics and culture, I was reminded that careers are realized through personal choices. With a diverse range of work styles, I felt that it is important for each person to have their own ideas and understand others.
Conclusion
In addition to this, we are also taking various measures to promote diversity, such as diversity training for supervisors, holding work style roundtable discussions, actively working to employ people with disabilities, and supporting the launch of a sign language club. ADVICS will continue to work to create an environment where everyone can maximize their abilities and continue to play an active role, regardless of gender, age, nationality, or whether or not they have a disability.