Aoyama

This is my 13th year with the company, and I feel that the number of active women has increased. Men's awareness has also changed. The number of men who actively participate in childcare has increased with the increase in the number of dual-earner households. I believe that more people now have a deeper understanding of the difficulties of balancing work and childcare, and that the company has become a more comfortable place to work.

Okada

When I joined the company, there was a division between career-track and general positions, but a new personnel system was introduced in FY2023, and all career-track and general positions became operational positions, giving me the impression that the company employs a highly diverse workforce regardless of gender. I experienced overseas training in Vietnam and saw many female expatriates of the same age. I remember thinking to myself, "Our company can't lose! I remember thinking strongly, "Our company can't lose!

Yoshida

Since I joined the company, I have never felt that I was discriminated against because I am a man or a woman, and I honestly do not feel that the working environment for women is changing or that women's activities are changing. It is a culture in which both men and women are given opportunities to play an active role.

Ninomata

I have been with the company for 14 years, and since the time I joined the company, we have had systems in place to make it easier for female employees to work. In recent years, I have the impression that the number of employees actively utilizing such systems has increased. It is a good thing that we are creating an environment in which female employees can take on a variety of challenges.

Aoyama

JFE Shoji has set a goal of increasing the ratio of female managers to 20% or more by 2030. There was a time when I felt pressured to aim for management positions, but I was impressed by the high level of perspective of the women I met at outside training programs and their strong awareness of the need to make a difference in society. Now that I am in a managerial position, I also feel that I have a social mission to pave the way in a positive way for those who will follow in my footsteps.

Ninomata

As Ms. Aoyama mentioned earlier, men are also participating in childcare, aren't they? I feel that more and more employees, both men and women, are taking advantage of flexible work styles that suit their families' needs, and many are making good use of systems such as earlier closing hours and telecommuting.

Yoshida

After taking childcare leave, they are returning to their previous work duties, and the environment around them is accepting of this as normal. Male employees are also taking advantage of the shortened working hours and childcare leave systems. In my department, we are also making efforts to create an atmosphere of mutual support, for example, by allowing anyone to take charge of tasks that had been assigned to a specific person.

Aoyama

I am very grateful for the culture of helping each other as if it were my own business. I have taken maternity and childcare leave twice, and the biggest change between the first and second time was the understanding of those around me. It is natural that people who have not experienced childcare cannot understand how hard it is to raise a child. In this context, I value the discussion of communicating my situation and wishes to my colleagues and supervisors and rubbing it in with their requests.

Okada

A senior male employee whom I respect has two children and his wife is also in the company. I also admire the way they work in collaboration with each other. However, I wonder if the burden on women who are going through life stage changes is still too great. I feel that there are female employees who have a hard time managing their time and work.

Ninomata

In fact, there are times when I feel that balancing work and childcare can be a challenge. I think that our company has a good system in terms of hardware, and we have a culture in which many employees are willing to help each other in terms of software as well. I think it is important for both sides to find a good balance, to discuss, and to share information.

Yoshida

In my department, managers are taking the initiative in working styles that balance childcare and family life, such as shorter working hours and flexible working hours. I appreciate the fact that they have created an environment in which such an appearance is considered normal!

Okada

My department is a vibrant one with many young employees in terms of age. There are many senior employees who are close to my age, so I can easily discuss my problems with them, and my boss listens carefully to the opinions of younger employees. There are many opportunities for overseas business trips, and I also visit customers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. I feel that the bar has been lowered for me to take on various challenges.

Yoshida

I have been able to fulfill my wish to work overseas, which I had expressed to my boss, and I worked in Canada for two years. The appeal of JFE Shoji is that it responds to the motivation of its employees. In Canada, I also witnessed a difference in the way of thinking about diversity. I think there are some things I can convey from that experience. I would be happy if this can help create a comfortable working environment.

Aoyama

In addition to J-mama meetings during my childcare leave and follow-up training after returning from childcare leave, I also participated in outside training programs specifically for women. Although we have a follow-up system in place during childcare leave and immediately after returning from childcare leave, I feel the need to consider a training system to help employees step up their careers after that. It would be nice to have a training program to follow up on balancing childcare and career.

Ninomata

I think it will be easier to find my career path if there are more opportunities to interact with people across departments and years. I am usually too busy with my daily work, so it was very meaningful for me to have this opportunity to talk with everyone at this roundtable. I would like to think carefully about how I will develop my career in the future.

Okada

During my training in Vietnam, I met many female expatriates from manufacturers and general trading companies. I felt that there were many different ways of working, such as those who were married but posted alone, or those who brought their partners with them. The company-sponsored career training for women that I attended during my overseas assignment provided me with a good opportunity to think about my future career and life plans.

Yoshida

I am now struggling with my career at this very moment. I have a desire to work overseas, but I also want to get married and may have children. What is the right career path for a woman and how should I go about it? I had been feeling confused and unsure, but this is a valuable opportunity for me to talk with other women. I would be happy if there were more opportunities like this.

Ninomata

I have experienced the work of both the sales and staff departments. In the future, I would like to build on my strengths so that people will say, "You can ask her anything in that field. I hope that by accumulating knowledge and participating in outside training programs, I will be able to see how I can envision my own career.

Aoyama

In terms of work, I aim to become involved in management strategy and be able to make investment decisions. I would like to deepen my knowledge of sales, administration, and management, and be active with a multifaceted perspective. My goal is also to be actively involved in devising and communicating measures and initiatives for the advancement of women in the company. I would like to make a trial-and-error approach to "what kind of work style is best" for junior employees that will lead to the next step.

Yoshida

I would like to work overseas as an expatriate. I want to show my juniors that women can also be active in the way they want to work. On the other hand, I am concerned that it may be difficult to balance my career and private life. For those who have such concerns, I would like to engage in activities that will enable women to be active for a long time.

Okada

I also have a desire to work overseas. I would like to realize my dream of taking my family overseas and working on the front lines. Eventually, I would like to become a manager who can work while valuing work-life balance. If we can increase the number of such managers, I believe we can create a more comfortable working environment in the workplace.

Ninomata

I believe that our company has a good working environment for both men and women. Communication among employees is active, and the company has a good atmosphere and warm climate. There are various departments, and it is good to be able to have a variety of experiences according to one's aptitude and interests. It is an environment where you can maintain a good work-life balance and work with peace of mind.

Okada

There are no differences between men and women, and opportunities are given equally. We are working to create a system and culture that allows you to balance your work and private life, and you can think about your career and life stage and create your life plan while consulting with those around you. We are happy if what you want to do matches what you can do at JFE Shoji.

Yoshida

I believe that you will encounter various problems during your job search. I myself am in the process of searching for answers to my future career plan and how to balance my career and private life. I also have a dream to create a better system and change the mindset within the company. I hope we can find the answer together after I join the company!

Aoyama

JFE Shoji is a company that provides a variety of opportunities for employees who want to take on challenges. Furthermore, JFE Shoji is proactive in devising and implementing measures to support women in balancing work with marriage and child rearing. Please join JFE Shoji with high expectations for an environment that supports everyone's motivation!