[Survey of 7,600 Simeji Users] 90% have used 'incorrect honorifics.' About 60% of bosses feel uncomfortable with the honorifics used by new employees.

Baidu Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Feng Jiang), the provider of the customizable keyboard app 'Simeji' (iOS/Android), has conducted an awareness survey on 'business honorifics' targeting individuals aged 19 to 50. This survey clarifies the actual usage and confidence levels regarding honorifics, the gap in perception between bosses/seniors and new employees, and the current state of AI utilization. The results suggest that there are situations where people are unsure about honorific usage and that discrepancies in honorifics often go unaddressed in the workplace.

・About 60% (59.8%) of bosses have felt uncomfortable with the honorifics used by new employees, but less than 40% (38.2%) have actually corrected them. ・About 40% (42.2%) of new employees say they 'lack confidence in their honorifics.' ・About 90% of working professionals have used 'commonly misused honorifics.' ・The most difficult aspect of honorifics is 'distinguishing between honorific (sonkeigo) and humble (kenjougo) language.' ・About 40% (42.6%) use AI daily, with many choosing AI as a resource for honorific advice. ・About 70% say they 'would like to use an honorific support keyboard.' ■ About 60% of bosses feel uncomfortable with new employees' honorifics, yet less than 40% provide guidance When those in the position of 'boss or senior' were asked if they had ever felt bothered by the honorifics used by new employees, 59.8% answered 'yes.' On the other hand, only 38.2% (about 40%) answered that they had actually corrected the mistakes. Additionally, when new employees were asked if they had ever had a 'close call' or been reprimanded due to their honorifics, 40.4% (about 40%) answered 'yes.' These results indicate that while about 60% of bosses feel uncomfortable with honorific usage, actual guidance occurs in only about 40% of cases. This suggests the possibility that discrepancies in honorifics are not being pointed out and are not being shared within the workplace.