Initiatives towards D&I (Diversity & Inclusion)
At Nippon Hotel, we are promoting measures aimed at creating a comfortable and rewarding workplace so that each employee can cooperate with each other and demonstrate their abilities.
We are actively working on diversity, such as a system that supports balancing childcare/nursing care and work and the active participation of women, the promotion of employment of people with disabilities and strengthening of support systems, the employment of foreign national staff, promoting the continuing employment of veteran staff, and so on.
In addition, we will implement measures to manage and promote the health of our employees, and create a work environment where everyone can work in their own way with peace of mind.
- Realization of comfortable workplaces for women, and childcare and nursing care support
- Consideration of diversity
- Promotion of health management
Realization of comfortable workplaces for women, and childcare and nursing care support
Nippon Hotel Co., Ltd. employs many female staff members. (Approximately 40% of all employees are women)
In addition, there are many female staff members who are active in managerial positions (the percentage of women in managerial positions is slightly less than 13%), and we aim to further increase this number in the future. (15% of women in managerial positions by the end of FY 2025)
We have established a support system for employees who are raising children and are promoting understanding in the workplace. Almost all female employees and 20% or more of male employees (since FY 2021) have taken childcare leave. Even after the leave of absence ends, employees with children are allowed to work shorter hours until the child reaches the third grade of elementary school, and many staff members use this system to balance work and childcare.
In the future, we will continue to improve both the system and the software, while listening to the opinions of our staff, so that more women can play an active role and balance work with childcare and nursing care.
Interview with staff working while raising children
Hotel Metropolitan Accommodation Section staff (female)
－Please tell me about your current job.
I work at the front desk of Hotel Metropolitan. I am involved in not only check-in and check-out work but also the coaching of junior staff and new employee education. Also, since last December, I have been in charge of the day shift (shift manager). As I am in a responsible position, I’m conscious of quite a lot of burden in terms of feeling when I think about balancing time with my family, but it is more rewarding than that, and I feel that I spend my days being busy and doing lots of meaningful things.
－How was the reaction around you after you returned to work?
I went on maternity leave twice with my eldest son and daughter, but both times, on the first day of my return, I was worried whether I would be able to keep up with the work, which I hadn’t done in a while. Even so, it was a job that I had been doing for many years, and I was able to quickly regain my senses, so I was able to complete my work relatively smoothly, and I was happy that the people around me warmly welcomed me. However, since it was a job involving me standing up, I had a lot of physical fatigue, and it took about two months for my physical rhythm to get into swing with it.
I happened to have several staff members who took maternity leave at the same time, so I felt very reassured that I had friends with whom I could consult and share my child care concerns.
－How comfortable is it to actually work at Nippon Hotel while balancing work and family?
As work on a shift basis and I am in charge, it is not easy to be honest from the point of view of balancing work with family, but I believe that I am who I am today because of good teamwork in the workplace and the support of my superiors and juniors. I feel that it is really easy to work in terms of being blessed with the people around me. If it is possible, I think it would be better if current systems are improved for the frontline staff who work on shifts, so they can have more time with their families too.
－Have you ever been conscious of balancing work and childcare (such as changes in the way you work)?
When it comes to changing the way we work, it’s always about not putting things off. Since I work short hours, if I put things off, I will not be able to complete the work, and it will put a burden on other staff. In order to avoid this as much as possible, I create a work schedule for the day based on the time I finish work, and think about how to finish my work efficiently. Thanks to that, the operation of the accommodation system has become very fast. It is a time-saving technique to continue working with only the keyboard without using the mouse as much as possible (laughs). Another time-saving technique is to make extension calls without looking at the number book as much as possible. I make it so that I can input into my head and push the number immediately.
I think it’s important to steadily make time, because many a little makes a mickle. When my husband works from home or is on vacation, I ask him to pick up the children, and I work longer shifts than usual to follow up on the people around me. It’s not a matter of give-and-take, but I do try to work with the staff around me to ensure that the workplace runs smoothly.
－Please tell me about your future career and goals.
I am thinking of working hard to improve my skills in accommodation operations while dealing with customers at the front desk, but also, based on my own experience, I would like to do work (such as a job in general affairs and human resources in the administration department) that supports working mother staff to make it easier for them to work. I want to continue to cherish the time with my family for a long time.
－Please send a message to women who aim to balance work and family.
If you work short hours, you often have to leave work when other staff members are busy, and you may feel bad thinking that you cause trouble to them.
But I try to work keeping in mind how I can get the most out of my limited time.
Of course, you can’t do it without the cooperation of your workplace and family, and I think it’s important to always remember to appreciate the people around you.
Instead of always trying to score 100 points at work and at home, it’s probably more about trying not to push yourself too hard, and getting 80 points is good enough.
Interview with male staff who took childcare leave
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi Accommodation Section staff
－Please tell me why you decided to take childcare leave.
Our parents lived far away and I couldn’t ask for their support, so I had to take care of the child with my wife. Also, my father underwent heart surgery around the same time as she gave birth, and I had to take care of him temporarily, so I took childcare leave to share housework and childcare during the most difficult period.
It was also a time when my child was growing at a dizzying pace, so I wanted to see him grow as a father. It was unprecedented, but fortunately, the people at work kindly showed their understanding. I consulted with my superior about the timing of taking the leave about three months in advance, and adjusted the schedule.
－How was it when you actually got it?
My wife said, “It was very helpful to be able to share childcare and household responsibilities. I hope more men will take childcare leave.” I think it was good that we could reduce the burden of childcare and housework by having time to take care of our child together.
I couldn’t go out much due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but spending a lot of time with my child enabled me to experience my kid’s growth. Money can’t buy that time, and taking childcare leave was a good opportunity to think about what was really valuable to me.
－Please send a message to male staff who are considering taking childcare leave.
Socially, male employees are gradually becoming more aware of and encouraged to take childcare leave, and I think that by carefully explaining the purpose of taking childcare leave, it is easier to gain the understanding of those around them.
You may be worried about your income, but if you make use of the system, such as childcare leave benefits and exemptions from social insurance premiums, it won’t cause a big decrease in your income.
Spending time with a newborn child and seeing them grow is irreplaceable. Also, I think it is very important for a couple to share the childcare and housework with each other, especially during the time when they need to take care of their child. If you are considering taking childcare leave, I would like you to spend precious time that will never come again with your precious family.
－How is the current situation?
Currently, both my wife and I are working while raising our child. My wife is in charge of cooking, and I still do things like cleaning, washing, and putting our child to bed as much as possible.
My child is crazy about the strider I gave him for his birthday. When I go to the park with him and see him running around energetically, I feel happy and it is a good time. He loves trains, so I hope I can use Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi with my family someday.
Interview with male staff who took childcare leave
JR-East Hotel Mets Headquarters staff
－Please tell me why you decided to take childcare leave.
There are two reasons. First, I thought it would be hard to leave the childcare to my wife alone. Also, I thought it would make it easier for my juniors to take childcare leave in the future. When I decided to take childcare leave, it was difficult to say, but when I told my boss (manager) about it, he accepted it with pleasure, and I was able to secure enough time to take over the business.
I didn’t know how to go through the procedure, but I asked the head office (Mets headquarters) to prepare the documents and it went smoothly.
－How was it when you actually took it? (What were the good things, what were the hard things?)
Well, it was a one-month leave (from mid-April 2021 to mid-May 2021), but it was great that I was able to acquire childcare skills. At first it was a bit awkward and scary to change diapers and giving our child a bath, but now I’m good getting our child to sleep, and I can handle things without panicking even when my wife is away for a long time.
I think my child could quickly form an attachment with me because I was able to be with for a long time.
What I struggled with was the crying at night. I had to wake up frequently, so I tended to get sleep-deprived and couldn’t get rid of my fatigue. Even now, my child still cries at night, but we as husband and wife have been discussing who should be in charge of dealing with this, so that we can alternately create the time to rest.
－How was the reaction of those around you, such as your family and colleagues?
My wife was happy. During the childcare leave period, I was mainly responsible for taking care of my child and my wife was responsible for all the housework, and the division of roles has remained largely unchanged.
My child has started going to nursery school, and I am dropping him off there. It’s pretty hard to hold a child and carry a nursery school bag and a company bag, but it makes me happy when I see my child happily going to nursery school.
Some of my colleagues were surprised to hear that I had taken childcare leave, and I thought that men’s childcare leave was still special, but after I returned to work, I had a lot of fun talking about parenting with father staff, while mother staff taught me childcare tips, and I felt that there were many things that I could gain D278through interaction with fellow staff.
－Do you have any advice or messages for male staff members who are considering taking childcare leave?
There may be a negative image of men taking childcare leave because of the company’s reputation and income, but I am really glad that I actually took childcare leave. I was able to realize the importance of time with my child, including the difficulties of childcare. I was able to do things that I can be really good at by being involved in childcare for a long time. For example, I can always make my child laugh. My child always laughs when I’m deliberately a little bit over the top rocking him when I hold him. That’s something my wife can’t do (laughs).
Even now, when my child gets sick, I am encouraged to take paid holidays and work from home, and I feel that I have the understanding of my workplace to do this.
If you are thinking about taking it (in the future), I would like you to take advantage of the system.
Interview with the Deputy General Manager of the hotel
Deputy General Manager, Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki
－Please tell us about your current job.
As the Deputy General Manager and Sales Strategy Section Manager at Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki, I support the General Manager and manage the hotel as a whole. In my regular work, I often have opportunities to patrol the building, check the operation from both the hardware and software aspects, and deal with problems, issues, and complaints. We take a bird’s eye view of the whole and create an environment where staff in each section can work comfortably.
By improving the career plans of the working staff, we aim to increase the attractiveness of the hotel and increase the number of customers.
－Please tell us about the rewarding and appealing aspects of being a manager.
As I have a certain amount of discretion, I try to use the experience I have accumulated so far to judge appropriately toward solving problems, and it gives me a sense of satisfaction to be able to solve problems in that way.
To be honest, when it comes to work-life balance, managers often find it necessary to divide their time between work and private life, because there are no defined responsibilities, the lines of work are not clear, and having private time is difficult.
I have been able to do my best thanks to the staff around me. I am often encouraged by the hard work of the management staff working on the front line.
－Please let me know if there are any cases where you feel you could deal with better because you are a woman.
It can be said that women are unique in that they can listen closely to the other person and provide support and care at a safe distance.
－Please tell us about your future goals and dreams (life and work).
I would like to constantly strive to improve myself, and I would like to focus on nurturing the next generation by always thinking about how staff can work freely and energetically and build up their careers by making use of my experiences.
－Please give a message to the female staff who are expected to play an active role.
I myself was not in an environment with female seniors who can be the targets, but I have been aiming at women who are active in different industries and female managers who have been seconded from the parent company, JR East. Our company has backup systems such as maternity and childcare leave systems, and there are many opportunities to learn through training, etc., and there are systems that support self-improvement, such as a qualification system. In addition, because I am able to state my wishes every year in a self-reported form, and have the opportunity to be transferred to a hotel with a different character, I think that I am in a privileged environment. I would like to continue working with high goals and work together to build the future of Nippon Hotel.
Diversity Initiatives
At Nippon Hotel Co., Ltd., most of the staff continue to be active on the front lines even after retirement age (60 years old). We will continue to raise the age of continuous employment and improve working conditions, aiming to create a workplace where veteran staff can continue to work energetically.
There are many foreign staff members including front desk staff and cleaning staff. In the future, we will consider hiring people with Specified Skilled Worker status and aim to create a comfortable workplace for foreign nationals.
With regard to the employment of persons with disabilities, we are working to achieve the legal employment rate at an early stage by diversifying our hiring channels, including the acceptance of apprentices, expanding our job categories, and strengthening our support system (appointing staff in charge at each hotel, training for job coaches, etc.)
Aiming to become a hotel that can accommodate a wide range of customers, we are working on both the hardware side (installing universal rooms, introducing computer-assisted translation, etc.) and the software side (Halal menus, encouragement to acquire care-fitter qualifications, language training, etc.)
Interview with senior staff working on the front line
Director and General Manager, General Affairs Department, Metropolitan Service Co., Ltd.
－Please tell us about your current job.
Currently, I am the Director and General Manager of General Affairs Department at Metropolitan Service Co., Ltd., a group company of Nippon Hotel Co., Ltd. Our main business is guest room cleaning, but our staff are generally older, and there are many female and foreign staff members. In order to promote my motto, “Creating a healthy and cheerful working environment,” I go to our work sites and give frequent guidance and reminders so that our staff can work safely. In addition, as a person in charge of general affairs and human resources, I also follow up on each employee, such as caring for staff who have concerns.
－Please tell us about the rewards you feel after working for many years and tips you have for keeping working energetically.
When I was young, I was in charge of banquet services and reservations, and after that, I was mainly in charge of general affairs and human resources at several hotels. Naturally, there were situations in each workplace where I was confronted with work that I had never experienced before. By asking “why?” and researching with interest, my knowledge of the field widened, and so I started to see particular points, then be able to connect them together, and then see the bigger picture. Even now, I feel satisfied and rewarded when I achieve my goals To this end, I am always conscious of remaining interested in the work I am in charge of and continuing to study.
In order to work energetically, health is the first priority. When I was in my thirties and forties, my life was centered around work, but at this age, I’m thinking about how to spend a “good holiday” and refresh myself. On my days off, I don’t think about unnecessary things, and I go to a swimming school once a week to reset myself. After that, I relax so that I can get inspiration. Also, one of the secrets to staying healthy is eating food that you think is delicious.
－So what are the good points about Nippon Hotel?
I think that having a wide range of stages from old historical hotels such as The Tokyo Station Hotel to new-style hotels such as mesm Tokyo is a charm that other hotel companies do not have. In addition, I think it is the company’s attitude to always try and challenge new things without being satisfied with the current situation. What customers want changes with the times, and this kind of work cannot always provide perfect answers. I myself would like to continue to have the feeling of continuing to take on challenges.
－Please tell us about your future goals and dreams (life and work).
Since my late 50s, I have been thinking about nurturing the next generation. That is my goal going forward. When we are young and inexperienced, of course, there were many things that we do not understand, but I have been teaching that our job is to think about how to solve the problems at hand, and I still think that my job is to make people think. I look forward to having a drink after returning home, and I want to enjoy my life from now on, putting my health first.
－Please give a message to the staff of the same age.
Working is the source of my energy. Instead of being passive, actively enjoy your work and hobbies.
“Beating old age” is my theme. I want to keep smiling and keep looking forward to keeping my mind and body healthy.
Interview with foreign staff
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki accommodation staff
Please tell us about your background. Also, why did you decide to work in Japan?
Originally, I worked in sales for an air cargo company in South Korea for six years, but because I had problems at work and wanted to improve my Japanese, I decided to go to a Japanese university and came to Japan to study. I’ve been in love with Japanese railways for so long and have traveled to Japan many times, so I feel an affinity to Japan, especially, I love Asahikawa and Furano in Hokkaido. After that, I became a working adult, and worked for a trading company dealing with Korean food products for three years, and for a restaurant for six years. After working for JR West Group Via Inn Hotels for two years as a contract employee, I joined our company. Compared to overseas hotels, I was impressed by the service provided by Japanese hotels, which provide all necessary items (without additional charges), and I had always wanted to work at a Japanese hotel in the future.
－Please tell us about your current job.
After joining the company, I worked as a housekeeper at Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki, and now work at the front desk. What I found difficult while working in Japan was getting rid of my own quirks and habits (acquired in my own country). In order to absorb service skills in Japan, I try to work, keeping myself as neutral as possible, including using language. There are 12 members at the front desk, my current place of work, and there were six members at the housekeeping team, my former place of work. I feel it is rewarding and fun to work together as a team to solve problems in each area.
My wife is Japanese, so I would like to continue working in Japan until retirement.
－After working with Japanese people, did you find anything interesting or different from your own country?
Japan and South Korea have similar cultures, so I don’t feel there is a big difference between them, but I think it is unique to Japan to do a “double check” in order to proceed with work. In South Korea, most of the cases require only one check (laughs). Double-checking is a habit I want to continue to follow as I work steadily.
－Please tell us about your future goals and dreams (life and work).
Since I was originally interested in customer service, I have already achieved one of my dreams, but I would like to continue working at a hotel in the future. If our hotel brand were to open in my country (South Korea) in the future, my new dream would be to work at that hotel.
－Please give a message to foreign nationals who want to work in Japan.
I think it is important to follow Japanese manners and rules, look closely into the eyes of senior and fellow staff members nearby, and follow them (imitate them), and raise the level of your actions and speech.
Promotion of health management
In order to realize our management principle of "improving customer satisfaction"
and "developing the company and establishing a rewarding workplace,"
it is of utmost importance that each and every employee is healthy, both physically and mentally.
Masayuki Satomi, President and Chief Executive Officer
For a Healthy Mind and Body ~Work-Life Balance Initiatives~
We are committed to promoting health management with the aim of enabling each and every staff member to work in good health.
・We create a database of the result of health checkups to visualize the health status of employees and utilize it toward the prevention of lifestyle-related disease.
・We will take measures to promote the health of our employees.
Details of our efforts so far
- Introduction of a Health Counseling App
The app is designed to help users manage their health by utilizing functions such as casual health consultation via e-mails, etc., the provision of health-related information, weight management, and step count management in a game format. - We provide health-related information in our in-house newsletter and support health promotion.
- We have established systems to support the lives of our staff by establishing dormitories and employee cafeterias, distributing restaurant tickets, and so on.
- We conduct in-house events such as club activities and employee trips.to facilitate staff communication.
- We are striving to enhance our benefits and welfare package, including the use of JR East Group facilities.
- Influenza vaccines can now be administered at multiple offices and affiliated medical institutions, and the number of venues has been expanded.
- We conducted workplace vaccinations with the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Our promotion of the implementation of stress checks has improved the pickup rate of such tests.
| Pickup rate | Year on year | |
| FY2020 | 95.2％ | |
| FY2021 | 95.4％ | ＋0.2％ |
| FY2022 | 96.1％ | ＋0.7％ |