Work-Life in Japan After the Earthquake- An Interview

Joanna Park is a work-life consultant and the author of a new book on the need for globalization and diversity in Japan. She has been my client for over seven years designing flexible work options for Japan. Here is her interview:





1. Tell me how the lives of you, your family and friends have changed since the eqrthquake.





We became much more aware of the power of earthquakes and tsunamis, although earthquakes have been common in Japan. We realize that we have no control over natural disasters and we just need to accept them. We also have started to think abut our priorities more seriously and how to use our time better to live more fruitfull while we are alive. We appreciate life more.





2. Has anything changed in the workplace--such as more open dialogue, compassion, flexibility, gratefulness, etc.





I think Japanese workplace has changed quite a bit with more compassion, appreciation and caring. Since we will be lacking massive electricity in the summer, companies are planning to introduce different types of flexible work arrangements, such a telework, summertime, and longer summer vacations that they have never thought of trying if this hadn't happened. It is expected that workers will have more time in the evening for personal activities which in turn could change not only the lifestyle but also the personal values of each individual.





3. How are young people reacting to all the changes since the earthquake?





They appreciate and care for family more. They also became more interested in volunteer work and contributing to others. More and more young workers take volunteer work vacation when their company offers, conduct charity events, help fund raising and many more.





4. What do you foresee in the future of Japan--individual lives and work lives?





The disaster has really impacted Japan in so many ways. It is very hard to foresee the future, but I truly believe that we will be seeing a lot of changes in the society, companies and people here in a positive way.





5. Can you see any upsides from the recent events?





People appreciate simple things and ordinary life more and realize the importance of relationships. Companies became more understanding of employees' personal lives and also it has forced companies to think about ways of working flexibly.





I think it has become a great "chance" for Japanese to change. Japanese dislike and have been avoiding change but the events have given Japanese a sense of emergency and a good reason to change.

Possibilities: An Upside of Changing Times

I recently attended a yoga class where the teacher began the session with a discussion on the consideration of possibilities. He asked us to keep this word in our minds throughout the class. As we began our poses, he pushed us to hold the positions for a long period and continue to improve them. While doing so, he kept encouraging us by saying “possibilities.” At first I was really annoyed. I simply wanted to focus on the positions and get on with the class. Then, I had difficulty with my right leg due to an old injury. Every time I lunged, I could feel the pain in the thigh and up through the back of the leg. My tendency in the past was to back off and not do the pose on the right side. I tentatively moved the leg in the position and it felt very uncomfortable. But the teacher kept saying the word possibilities. My annoyance gave way to his mantra and I pushed myself further in each pose. I’m not saying it was great but, by the end of class, I had gone much further and worked through my pain to a stronger place. I was actually feeling more flexible and less stiff. At the end of class, he asked us to see how long we could hold the promise of possibilities in our daily lives. Throughout the day, as issues came up, I stopped to think about the possibilities instead of the problems.

It is easy to get discouraged in our daily lives with the ongoing recession and pessimism in our country. Yet, if we can refocus the negative energy into possibilities, we might push through the difficulties to another place where there is more light and hope. Think possibilities!

Sustainable Success--Introduction

Dear Readers,

It has taken me awhile to begin a blog. I realize that for several years been I’ve been trying to understand the challenging predicaments my family, friends, the country and others around the globe are up against. The recession has taken its toll on everyone in some way. It is a time of great change and confusion.

My professional work in the last 23 years has been helping individuals with work-life balance and consulting for companies to provide their employees with worker-friendly benefits and programs. With all that has happened in the last several years, it seems more important to provide strategies to survive and create a sustainable life. I felt like many others—that advice given was inadequate. I am clearer now and wish to make this blog one that provides information and sharing ideas about how to create a sustainable career and personal life in a world that is constantly changing.

This blog coincides with many other events in my life. The book, Upside: How to Zig When Life Zags, is being released in June. The book will provide a basis for on-going discussion and a vehicle for you to develop Upside networking and meet-ups.

Three years ago I was laid up with a stress fracture. I was physically restricted for many months. I had time to reflect, read and research. Eventually I found the upside of my crisis. The end result was a idea for a book that helps others with all the current changes and the “not knowns” of the future. The journey of the book development has had many upsides—a partnership with Allison Blankenship, hearing stories of courage and success and feeling physically strong again.

The next phase of my journey with sustainable success is to take an adventure vacation—one that I have desired for many years. Now that I am physically strong, I am going to the outback in the northern territory in Western Australia, the Kimberley’s. When I return, I will be traveling and speaking about “creating a sustainable life.” I would like to meet individuals who have stories to share. The internet is great but I prefer face to face contact. I will be in Chicago from June 24-July 15 and all of September. I will be driving to Seattle from Denver, July 15-August 8. From Seattle to San Franciso, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and Denver between August 9-27. Please contact me if you wish to share a story or include me in a meet-up group.

Bonnie Michaels