WHAT ARE HAYS JAPAN’S TOP TEN TALENT TRENDS FOR 2022?

Following a year marked by the Olympics and Paralympics, two elections, and keeping the fallout from the pandemic in check, 2022 will see Japan focusing on recovery and growth as the economy gradually reopens.

“If 2020 was turbulent, 2021 was about achieving stability. As we move into 2022, businesses are optimistic about the Japanese economy recovering to pre-covid levels,” says Grant Torrens, Managing Director of Hays Japan. 

As a result, a pronounced increase in hiring across most, if not all sectors, is anticipated. However, with different working models taking root and roles evolving rapidly in anticipation of new needs, employers and candidates will have to stay on their toes to adapt to the new normal. 

“Digitalisation and digital transformation skills, for instance, are a priority for employers,” Grant says. “Employers showing a preference for candidates with the ability to reform and align models to adapt to business developments.”

Remote working is also becoming a contentious topic between candidates and employers, with candidates increasingly looking for jobs that allow for flexibility. Many now prefer jobs that allow them to work remotely, away from city or urban areas. However, Grant cautions that the ability to offer flexibility largely depends on the needs of the industry. 

“We do see employers becoming more open to flexible working patterns, and as a result they’re increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate practical and emotional capabilities to work remotely effectively.” 

Here are Japan’s top ten talent trends in 2022:

1. Spotlight on Cyber and Information Security
2. The continued rise of the Data Centre sector
3. Financial Services and Insurance return to growth
4. Huge appetite for Sales roles across sectors
5. Relaxing of requirements in Life Sciences
6. Businesses are strengthening corporate services teams
7. Remote hiring set to increase for non-client facing roles
8. The rise of office decentralisation and shared services
9. Engineering and Supply Chain companies hiring more junior talent
10. Focus on sustainability

Click here for an analysis of the trends and to your download your exclusive Hays Japan Top Ten Trends for 2022 infographic available in PDF format for digital or print use.