General Affairs Dept.
A proactive General Affairs team that takes the initiative!
Both supporting the back office and coming to the forefront to contribute to the development of the business
SHIN-NAKAMURA CHEMICAL’s General Affairs Dept. single-handedly manages the core areas of the business, including general affairs, human resources, labor, accounting, finances, public relations, and investor relations. While we might not make or sell anything ourselves, we are driven by the sense of mission that we are supporting the business from its foundations.
We are not a “reactive” team that starts processing something after it has happened. Rather, we aim to a “proactive” General Affairs Dept.—one that has a vision, outlines the path toward that vision, and guides our colleagues toward it. We unearth issues based on the belief that the problems that occur in society must also exist within our own company. It is our goal to contribute to the development of the business and the vitality of the company by resolving these issues.
Driven by a desire for fulfilment, the General Affairs Dept. doesn’t settle for a backseat role
The SHIN-NAKAMURA CHEMICAL General Affairs Dept. is currently working on an all-out effort to clarify procedures and customs, create rules, and build systems. We first work on pinpointing the tasks and behaviors (tacit knowledge) that have been continued just because they were the way things were done, with no clear reason.
After we have clarified these things, we then get to work on creating rules. For example, we have a subsidy system for meals between employees. The goals of this system are professional development and promoting communication, so it cannot be used for a simple drinking party with no greater purpose. This rule provoked debate, with some saying that there was no need to be so strict, but this process of sharing perspectives is also very meaningful.
Once we have made progress with making rules, we then move on to the system-building stage, where we change the companywide structures. We work on introducing new technology such as artificial intelligence, reshuffling the organization, securing new talent, and promoting the professional development of employees.
While mindsets cannot be changed overnight, clarifying why it is we do what we do is definitely helping to change the atmosphere of our company.
We have long been a company with almost no overtime, and we also give allowances to all employees on company trips. We also retain the positive aspects of traditional culture, for example by providing free access to natural hot spring facilities run by group companies. While carrying on these parts of our heritage, we embark on ambitious reforms with an eye to sparking positive change in other Wakayama companies.