Job Soken Conducts '2026 Survey on Supervisor-Subordinate Awareness': 70% of Supervisors Struggle in the 'Era of Not Being Able to Scold'; Gap in Expectations for Initiative
Job Soken, operated by Persol Career, surveyed 421 employees on supervisor-subordinate dynamics in 2026. The results reveal that nearly 70% of supervisors struggle with providing guidance, while subordinates prioritize psychological safety. A significant gap exists between supervisors expecting 'initiative' and subordinates frustrated by 'vague instructions.'
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 18:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 09:50
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 1, 2026 at 09:57 (7 min after Collected)
Job Soken, a research institute operated by Persol Career Co., Ltd., which provides the job change service 'doda,' conducted the '2026 Survey on Supervisor-Subordinate Awareness' targeting 421 working adults. The survey examined the roles of supervisors, gaps felt by both parties, communication challenges, and mutual expectations.
[Supervisor-Subordinate Awareness Gap]
Previous Job Soken surveys indicated that 60% of supervisors have never scolded a subordinate, showing a trend of reduced guidance due to generational gaps and harassment concerns, despite subordinates desiring feedback. As two months have passed since the 2026 graduates joined the workforce, both supervisors and subordinates are facing challenges in communication and development.
[Survey Overview]
Target: Registered users of JobQ Town
Conditions: Nationwide, male/female, 20s-50s
Period: May 13 - May 18, 2026
Valid responses: 421
Method: Internet survey
[Summary of Findings]
The survey revealed that while both parties value good relationships, gaps in communication and work values persist. Subordinates seek support rather than management, prioritizing 'psychological safety' and 'active listening.' Conversely, supervisors struggle with subordinates' lack of 'initiative' and 'waiting for instructions.'
Furthermore, the survey highlights that both sides want to understand each other better. Supervisors seek 'ideal guidance methods,' while subordinates want to know 'expectations placed on them.' The resistance to vague, emotion-based communication—such as 'You should know without me saying it'—reflects a growing demand for transparency and logical management in the modern workplace.
[Supervisor-Subordinate Awareness Gap]
Previous Job Soken surveys indicated that 60% of supervisors have never scolded a subordinate, showing a trend of reduced guidance due to generational gaps and harassment concerns, despite subordinates desiring feedback. As two months have passed since the 2026 graduates joined the workforce, both supervisors and subordinates are facing challenges in communication and development.
[Survey Overview]
Target: Registered users of JobQ Town
Conditions: Nationwide, male/female, 20s-50s
Period: May 13 - May 18, 2026
Valid responses: 421
Method: Internet survey
[Summary of Findings]
The survey revealed that while both parties value good relationships, gaps in communication and work values persist. Subordinates seek support rather than management, prioritizing 'psychological safety' and 'active listening.' Conversely, supervisors struggle with subordinates' lack of 'initiative' and 'waiting for instructions.'
Furthermore, the survey highlights that both sides want to understand each other better. Supervisors seek 'ideal guidance methods,' while subordinates want to know 'expectations placed on them.' The resistance to vague, emotion-based communication—such as 'You should know without me saying it'—reflects a growing demand for transparency and logical management in the modern workplace.
FAQ
What is the main challenge for Japanese managers in 2026?
Managers struggle with balancing effective guidance while avoiding harassment, often finding it difficult to address subordinates' lack of initiative.