TOKYO — A recent study reveals that numerous young individuals beginning their careers in Japan in 2025 prefer to advance based on seniority (age and length of service within the company), rather than on their job performance. This marks the first instance since 2006 where a majority opted for seniority over performance.
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The research was conducted by Sanno University. The institution stated that an increasing number of new employees prefer to continue working and gain experience in a secure environment rather than competing with one another.
According to the survey, 56.3% of individuals expressed a preference for promotions based on seniority. Just 43.6% favored promotions determined by merit (job performance). Previously, the majority preferred merit-based promotions, but this trend has shifted recently.
Additionally, 69.4% of new employees expressed a desire for a lifelong career. Approximately 89% mentioned they wish to remain with the same company for an extended period. Despite the prevalence of job changes today, many young individuals aspire to work at a single company for many years.
When selecting a job, an increasing number of individuals now prioritize factors such as competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, rather than solely focusing on the nature of the work. The survey revealed that “benefit package” and “salary level” hold greater significance for new employees compared to previous times.
(Japanese original by Yuko Shimada, Business News Division)
Vocabulary
promotion: advancing to a more senior role at the company
seniority: having been with a company for an extended period or being of older age
performance: the effectiveness with which you carry out your responsibilities
value: excelling in your profession
benefits package: additional perks provided by an employer to employees, such as health insurance or vacation pay
wage: the income you receive in exchange for your labor
