We asked questions about “decent work” Miyo to compare the U.S. and Japan.
At first, I asked benefits and disadvantages of working in the U.S. She told us about many benefits. First, many different countries’ people work together so that we can learn diversity. We can get many different opinions. They broaden their horizons. It leads to good working. Next, work and life balance is excellent. In Japan, many people think that the longer work, the better even now. On the other hand, people think working for a long time is bad in the U.S. They have enough time for themselves, family, and friends. Next, the working time is more flexible. People can change the working time if they can’t go to work on the day. It is also related to good work and life balance. It is more difficult to take a day off for us in Japan. Finally, in the U.S, employees can say their opinion surely to their bosses. I think it’s essential because everyone’s views are reflected to work. However, Japan is a challenging environment to say ideas to seniors.
Next, she told us the disadvantages. First, they are too strict on sexual harassment. When I heard it, I was surprised because I thought it’s not strict in the U.S. Second, teamwork isn’t so good because they emphasize the individual. Many workers separate working from private, so many people don’t hang out with their colleagues outside work. It is a dry culture. In Japan, they are closer to each other, even in private. Finally, America doesn’t have a bonus system. I didn’t know that.
Therefore, for the benefits and disadvantages, she likes the American working style better.
I also asked about the differences of getting a job, salary system, COVID influences, her opinion of Tip culture, second job, and so on. She told us a lot. I was surprised at almost answers because I didn’t know the American working style so much. In conclusion, this interview was very important for our presentation because I knew many differences between the U.S. and Japan. We can compare them.
Mai Takeyama
