[Features similar to Japan.<\/p>\n\n
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- Serious craftsmanship<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
German Culture<\/p>\n\n
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- Strong worker protection stance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
As is typical of so-called \u201cforeign-affiliated companies,\u201d German companies emphasize work-life balance and make a clear distinction between work and private life<\/strong>. In addition, the scope of each individual’s work is clearly defined<\/strong>, and work is conducted according to values that are far removed from those of Japanese companies, such as not performing work that exceeds the scope of one’s responsibilities (i.e., the scope of one’s contract).<\/p>\n\n
On the other hand, I feel that Japanese companies have something in common with German companies in terms of the seriousness of their craftsmanship<\/strong>. Both Japan and Germany have long had manufacturing as a major industry, and both tend to be craftsmen who seek high quality and do not do sloppy work.<\/p>\n\n
It is also said that Germans and Japanese share a similar spirit of concession and a similar way of coming to terms with others. Many people<\/strong> who have worked with German companies have the impression that they are easy to work with and deal with<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
Another unique characteristic of Germany is its strong<\/strong> tendency to protect workers<\/strong>. In Germany, long working hours are prohibited<\/strong>, and 100% paid vacations<\/strong> and long vacations<\/strong> are recognized as a natural right. This culture of respect for employees<\/strong> is very different from that of Japanese companies.<\/p>\n\n
Annual income rates for German companies<\/h3>\n\n
In general, the average annual salary at foreign-affiliated companies<\/strong> is said to be about 8 million yen<\/strong>, which is about twice the average annual salary of 4.33 million yen in Japan. German-affiliated foreign companies are no exception, and annual incomes of 8 to 12 million yen in their 30s are not uncommon.<\/p>\n\n
Advantages of working for a German company<\/h2>\n\n
Next, here are three advantages of working for a German company.<\/p>\n\n
Advantage 1] Many holidays<\/h3>\n\n
In Germany, many companies allow employees to take up to 30 days of paid vacation per year, and it is a natural right to use 100% of<\/strong> this paid vacation time<\/strong> or to take a two-week long vacation<\/strong>. Because of this culture in their home country, they are able to take their paid vacations and long vacations without feeling any sense of shame<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
*Some companies have different treatment and working conditions between the German headquarters and the Japanese office. Make sure to check each company’s working conditions before applying.<\/p>\n\n
Advantage 2] Good workplace openness<\/h3>\n\n
German companies have an open environment in the workplace. Regardless of age or position, it is easy to express one’s opinions, and people are willing to listen even to opinions that are contrary to their own<\/strong>, which helps to build good communication in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n
Keep in mind, however, that you are expected to be clear in your statements. It is important to refrain from making ambiguous statements and to assert your opinions clearly<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
Advantage 3] Skill development in a specialized field is expected.<\/h3>\n\n
German companies are contract-based and have a clear division of roles, so the scope of each person’s work<\/strong> is well defined. This allows them to concentrate only on their own tasks and specialties, and to enhance their expertise<\/strong>. This is an advantageous environment for those who aim to improve their skills in a certain specialized field.<\/p>\n\n
Disadvantages of working for a German company<\/h2>\n\n
Decision-making authority at global headquarters<\/h3>\n\n
German companies in Japan tend to concentrate their authority in their home country of Germany. Therefore, in many cases, the Japanese branch has no decision-making authority and must ask the management in the home country to do whatever it wants to do.<\/p>\n\n
Keep in mind that you may suffer from being caught between your home country and your clients.<\/p>\n\n
What to expect when working for a German company<\/h2>\n\n
There are many differences between German and Japanese companies in terms of ideas and customs. Here are some points to keep in mind when working for a German company.<\/p>\n\n
resultism<\/h3>\n\n
German companies, like other foreign companies, tend to be strongly results-oriented<\/strong>. In addition to work performance, efficiency in work<\/strong>, such as \u201chow efficiently you perform your work,\u201d is also<\/strong> demanded. Long working hours, once considered a virtue in Japanese companies, are not highly valued.<\/p>\n\n
language ability<\/h3>\n\n
Many German companies place English or German language skills among their hiring criteria. Basically, business level English is a must, and speaking German is more advantageous<\/strong>.
Specialized Skills and Experience<\/h3>\n\n
Foreign-affiliated companies, including German companies, place more emphasis on experience and skills<\/strong> than on age and gender. Especially in mid-career recruiting, skills and experience in specialized fields are important<\/strong>, so specialists (professionals)<\/strong> are more advantageous in job searches than multidisciplinary personnel who are not limited to any field.<\/p>\n\n
Even for new graduates, it is very difficult to find a job in a German company without any experience, as it is common for students to gain work experience through internships and other means to prepare for employment.<\/p>\n\n
List of German Companies<\/h2>\n\n
German-affiliated automotive company [finished vehicle manufacturer].<\/h3>\n\n
The automotive industry, one of Germany’s major industries, is home to a number of companies that have gained market share on a global scale.
![\"BMW\"](\"https:\/\/turnpoint-consulting.com\/wpdata\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/BMW.png\" "\\"BMW\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n\nGerman automotive company [parts manufacturer].<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschr\u00e4nkter Haftung Gerlingen
German company with Japan office [Other industries].<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
- Strong worker protection stance<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n