"Speaking Up Opens New Doors" — How THT Empowers Women and Encourages Honest Communication

広報
Sep 15, 2023
4 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

Accounting and Management Group (Y.S)

Please tell us about your reason for joining THT.

After obtaining my real estate license, I worked in the residential real estate industry, handling a wide range of tasks including managing studio apartment rentals, converting farmland and rice paddies into residential areas, and buying and selling land and buildings. I have experienced working at various companies, from exploitative companies to reputable large companies. Even now, I often give real estate advice to others and sometimes appraise my friends' houses without their permission.

Just before turning 30, I took advantage of a Working Holiday Visa to live and work in France for a year, where I met my current husband. After returning to Japan, I worked at a real estate company in Kagawa Prefecture while married. When my husband got a job at an IT company in Tokyo, I decided to pursue my long-standing interest in IT by taking vocational training for job seekers and then started working for a systems engineering services (SES) company. However, the wages were low, and both my husband and I worked long hours, which gradually made communication between us difficult. Feeling a crisis in our marriage, I decided to change jobs and eventually had an interview at THT.

Please tell us why you decided to join THT.

It was the interview. Despite meeting for the first time, the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming that it immediately won me over.

The CEO and Ms. Hayama listened carefully to my situation, and we ended up having a really enjoyable conversation. I remember feeling all my worries about harsh work environments and difficult relationships just melt away. The company's friendly atmosphere gave me the impression that everyone gets along well. Actually, I had several other interviews afterward, but THT became my benchmark.

By the way, it was the first time in my life that I sent a thank-you email after an interview. I remember feeling genuinely warm and happy on my way home.

How was it actually working at there?

This is my fourth year at THT, and I can honestly say I've never been disappointed when it comes to workplace relationships.

Even though everyone is busy, they always take the time to kindly teach and support me. Being surrounded by people who make me want to contribute and help in any way I can is incredibly motivating.

The more I research, the more familiar I become with the work, and the more I study, the more things start to make sense. That's why, when creating documents, I always make sure I fully understand the content before explaining it or putting it together.

I still have a lot to learn, but simply being relied upon even in small ways, gives me a real sense of purpose.

Have you faced any challenges at work?

There were times when I felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things I had to learn, and I lost confidence in myself because I felt I wasn't capable enough.

On top of that, I became pregnant, which made me question whether I could or should continue working at the company.

How did you overcome those challenges?

I decided to speak honestly with the CEO about my personal values and the situation I was facing. As a result, he suggested the option of transferring to a different department that better suited my circumstances.

Look back, I'm really glad I had that conversation.

What are your hopes for the company in the future?

I'm truly grateful for the kindness and consideration I receive every day from my colleagues. That said, sometimes I feel they're a little too kind, and I'd actually welcome more challenges. I would love to be pushed with higher expectations such as "we want you to become this kind of professional," or "we want you to master this skill." Being challenged in that way would help me grow and feel a greater sense of fulfillment in my work.

In that sense, I wouldn't mind being firmly guided even scolded, if it helps me improve.

Actually, I will be going on maternity leave soon, as I'm expecting my second child.

Whren I had my first child, it happened just as I was getting ready to dive deeper into my work. So while I'm happy about the new addition to our family, I also considered leaving the company out of concern for the burden my absence might place on others.

But when I shared those feelings with our CEO, he told me "It doesn't matter how many children you have. The fact that you come back and continue building your career after having children is, in itself, a contribution to the company." That comment truly moved me, and it made me want to give back to become someone who can contribute meaningfully to the company.

So, I hope the company continues to see me as a valuable team member and expects great things from me.

What are your future career goals?

I would really like to be involved in on-site work again. Business trip were a great learning experience for me.

THT offers such a wide range of opportunities that it's hard to pinpoint a specific field I want to focus on just yet. But whether it's for my own growth or to contribute to the company, I want to keep expanding my knowledge and develop skills I can truly be proud of.

No matter the environment, I believe in continuing to learn and take on new challenges.

And one day, I hope to become a cool mom who can even teach my kids how to code.

Please leave us a message!

Work takes up a significant part of our lives. The reason I feel motivated to work hard for the company and always wonder, "What more can I do?" is because of the supportive and inspiring people I work with every day.

Let's take care of our health and keep lifting the company together!

Listening to Ms. S's story truly warmed my hearts.

Thank you so much!