Pros
International workforce. Pleasant, internationally minded colleagues. Exposure to a wide range of functions so acts as a good place to learn different aspects of business. Standard Belgian benefits such as 13.9 salaries, company car and mobile phone are offered from assistant manager level upwards. Japanese tendency to run a lean workforce means frequent lack of sufficient resources and overworked employees, but at same time means lay-offs are rare, as company constantly is already running at minimum staffing levels.
Cons
At times a very conservative Japanese company with very slow decision making and lack of understanding of European attitudes and employee motivation. Tendency to keep company lean and headcount to a minimum resulting in overworked workforce. Expectation to work long hours up to 80 hour weeks but with no overtime and no impact on career advancement. Due to lack of opportunities many younger staff leave. Often without being replaced, increasing workload of others, causing loss of motivation - vicious circle. Bonuses, share scheme, other privileges limited to Senior Management and Japanese staff. Career development, and HR effort towards career development is focussed heavily on management level upwards. For lower levels career development comes about as a combination of luck and politics. Employees must push for many years for development and little active support or guidance is given by the company itself. No clear HR policy is in place for career progression. Self-motivation is key. 2 yearly employee survey carried out but often no communication due to negative results. Employee events such as family days and christmas events held on an irregular annual basis depending on budget.