Hashimoto Group Supports Young Technicians' Growth with a 'Culture of Valuing People' Amid Construction Industry Labor Shortages

The Hashimoto Group, led by Hashimoto-gumi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; President and CEO: Masanori Hashimoto), held its group employee recognition ceremony, 'The Construction Kickoff Awards 2026,' on June 1, 2026, at Hotel Grand Hills Shizuoka.

As labor shortages and technical succession become nationwide challenges in the construction industry, the Hashimoto Group has positioned 'building an organization that values and nurtures people' as a key management theme.

A total of 112 employees participated in the ceremony out of 398 group members, recognizing staff who have excelled in diverse fields such as construction, sales, recruitment, and back-office operations.

Evaluating Efforts Beyond Results: Challenges and Support

A key feature of this award system is its evaluation criteria, which go beyond performance and achievements to include employees' willingness to take on challenges, contributions to colleagues, and impact on the organization.

The construction industry is a field where value is created through collaboration among many people.

Therefore, the Hashimoto Group evaluates not only on-site quality improvements, safety management, and sales results but also actions that support teams and initiatives that promote colleagues' growth as essential values.

In particular, the 'Behind-the-Scenes Contributor Award' is determined by peer voting, serving as a symbolic recognition of employees who support the organization through their daily work.

Award presentation ceremony. A wide range of values, including on-site innovations and contributions to others, are being recognized alongside achievements.

Visualizing the Growth of Young Technicians

Winners of the Rookie Division. Recognizing the growth of young employees who take on challenges, making next-generation talent development visible.

The 'Rookie Division,' targeting young employees, honored staff who proactively engaged in site management, safety measures, and customer service. Winners were recognized for proposing safety measures tailored to site conditions, improving quality, and building trust with internal and external stakeholders.

This division adopts a self-nomination system, where eligible employees submit their own initiatives and achievements, with proactivity and a willingness to challenge also considered in the evaluation.

The Hashimoto Group practices true diversity hiring, regardless of academic background, major, age, gender, or nationality, and has established an environment where even inexperienced hires can grow into construction technicians through a 14-month on-the-job training (OJT) program. The award recipients exemplify the results of this nurturing approach.

Building a Recruitment Culture Driven by Employees

The 'Referral Hiring Division,' one of the award categories, recognized employees who personally introduced new colleagues and provided continuous support through their onboarding. This system, where employees who resonate with the company culture bring in new members, contributes not only to recruitment but also to employee retention and engagement.

The Hashimoto Group is fostering an organizational culture where talent acquisition is not solely the responsibility of the HR department but a shared mission among all employees.

Audience applauding after a winner's speech. A culture where employees acknowledge and celebrate each other's efforts and challenges is evident.

Comment from Hashimoto Holdings CEO Masanori Hashimoto

'The construction industry is a field where people create value. That is why we believe not only achievements but also challenges and contributions to colleagues should be properly recognized.

This award ceremony serves to strengthen the unity of all group employees. By evaluating everyone involved in a project—from sales and on-site teams to back-office staff—as one team, we aim to overcome sectionalism that often arises between departments. Moreover, this event shines a light not only on awardees but on the daily efforts of every single employee.

Going forward, we will continue striving to become a corporate group that is needed by local communities through talent development and improved work satisfaction.'

Contributing to Local Communities Through People-First Management

For over 100 years since its founding, the Hashimoto Group has been engaged in regional infrastructure development and construction projects, primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Moving forward, we will continue to support the growth of each employee and contribute to regional development and the sustainable growth of the construction industry through a corporate culture that encourages challenges.