The Potential of Labor Unions in Career Support in the Era of Human Capital Management

j.union Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masanobu Yoshikawa) has examined the potential for labor unions to provide career support, in collaboration with Keiko Hara, Professor at Saitama Gakuen University (Visiting Researcher at the Center for Research and Development of Psychological Support for Working People), and others. This examination incorporated academic insights from the Center for Research and Development of Psychological Support for Working People at the University of Tsukuba.

As a result, it was shown that career support by labor unions not only helps union members understand themselves and form their careers proactively but also has the potential to identify organizational issues and strengthen the relationship between unions and their members.

Based on these research findings and our track record of supporting 867 individuals across 28 labor unions nationwide, we will launch the practical training program for union officers, "Career Support Practice Program for Union Officers ~Neubora Juku~," starting in October 2026.

Why Career Support by Labor Unions Now?

Amid growing interest in human capital management and career autonomy, companies are increasingly implementing initiatives to support employee career development.

On the other hand, career-related concerns extend beyond work-related issues such as transfers and promotions to encompass life as a whole, including work-life balance and anxieties about the future.

When attempting to discuss these topics, employees may find it difficult to speak frankly due to concerns about performance reviews or relationships with superiors when using career support services offered by companies.

In this context, attention is turning to the role that labor unions, which address both individual and organizational issues while supporting their members, can play as providers of career support.

Therefore, to clarify "the significance of labor unions providing career support," this case study conducted interviews with a total of 17 individuals: planners of career counseling programs, union officers, and career support professionals (certified national career consultants).

What Value Does Career Support by Labor Unions Offer?

▶ Case Study (Survey Subjects: Union Officers, Program Planners, Career Support Professionals)

Through the case study, it was found that the interviewees commonly recognized the value in "career counseling provided by labor unions."

【1】 Support System Centered on the Individual

Emphasis was placed on the相談者 (consultant) thinking for themselves and organizing their thoughts in their own words, rather than the supporter providing answers.

【2】 Support Addressing the Entire Life, Not Just Work

Discussions took into account the entire life, including family and future plans, not just career.

【3】 A Third-Party Position That Makes It "Easier to Speak Frankly"

It was stated that the environment allows for frank conversations precisely because it is a position with a certain distance from evaluation and transfer decisions.

Furthermore, the research indicated the potential for identifying issues such as:

* Anxiety about career development * Challenges in system operation * Concerns regarding work styles * Awareness of workplace environment problems

It was also pointed out that by consolidating such feedback from union officers, there is potential to address organizational issues through labor-management consultations and proposals for system improvements.

▶ Neubora User Survey (Survey Subject: Union Members)

So, how do union members who actually receive such services feel?

In a user survey (n=235) conducted for "Neubora," our online career counseling service, the most frequently cited change after career counseling was "I was able to organize my feelings and thoughts" (50.2%), followed by "I understood what my current problem was" (38.7%) and "I became able to see myself objectively" (32.8%).

Changes Felt After Career Counseling (n=235)

Regarding satisfaction with the counseling sessions, "Satisfied" accounted for 61.7% and "Somewhat Satisfied" for 31.9%, bringing the total for satisfied and somewhat satisfied to 93.6%.

Satisfaction with Counseling Sessions (n=235)

These results suggest that career support plays a crucial role not only in providing advice and solutions but also in offering an opportunity to organize one's own thoughts and issues through dialogue.

In other words, the "career support by labor unions" initiatives intended by union officers, program planners, and career consultants are proving to be beneficial opportunities for union members.

Challenges of "Labor Unions x Career Support" Revealed Through Research and Practice

The user survey revealed that career support through dialogue leads to the organization of one's thoughts and issues.

On the other hand, the case study pointed out "difficulty in penetrating the initiative" as a challenge in career support within labor unions. In practice, from the front lines of labor unions, consultations are increasing regarding:

* Wanting to engage in career autonomy support but not knowing the specific steps to take * Counseling provided by union officers depending on individual experience and skills

* Seeking activities that contribute to supporting union members' growth and improving organizational value

Launching "Neubora Juku" Based on Research Findings and Practical Knowledge

j.union Inc. has been supporting the career development of union members by providing the online career counseling service "Neubora."

In this process, we believe it is crucial for union officers, who are closest to the union members, to acquire the mindset and communication skills for career support to establish it as a continuous activity.

Against this backdrop, we are launching "Career Support Practice Program for Union Officers ~Neubora Juku~," a practical training program for union officers, planned based on user surveys and our support experience.

This practical program, consisting of five sessions, is designed for union officers who wish to "incorporate career autonomy support into union activities" and "develop counseling support from a personalized activity to an organizational initiative."

The aim is to acquire career support skills that can be utilized in the field through role-playing and case studies.

Event details can be found here.

Case Study Overview

Research Title: "Career Support by Labor Unions: Significance and Challenges Through Career Counseling Initiatives"

Researchers: Keiko Hara (Saitama Gakuen University), Yasuko Shimizu, Satoshi Iyo (j.union Inc.), Masatake Okada (University of Tsukuba)

Research Method: Interview survey with a total of 17 individuals: planners of career counseling programs, union officers, and career support professionals (certified national career consultants).

Publication: Saitama Gakuen University, Faculty of Human Sciences, Vol. 25, pp. 235-248.

Full Paper: https://saigaku.repo.nii.ac.jp/records/2000229

About j.union Inc.

As a support company specializing in labor union activities, we have partnered with over 4,700 organizations.

We offer more than 30 types of services, including officer training, education and training, research, and system provision.

Company Name: j.union Inc.

URL: (Corporate) https://www.j-union.co.jp

(Product) https://www.j-union.net

Headquarters: Shinjuku Island Tower 22F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

President and CEO: Masanobu Yoshikawa

Established: March 6, 1989

Business Activities: Support services specialized for labor unions.

Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Release

j.union Inc. Public Relations: Watanabe TEL: 03-5339-8200 / FAX: 03-5339-8201 Inquiry URL: https://j-union.com/-/pands/newenq/main/enquete.php?cd_enq=2016