After I was hired, for the first time I was able to actually go to my workplace. I had some technical issues with my laptop, which could only be solved within the company. This was the main reason why I was allowed to go to the office. Also, my supervisor wanted me to greet the general manager in person.
Fortunately, due to changes in recent years, an open space style was adapted to replace traditional cubicles. The main working area seems not so different from my graduate school’s lobby. I t was so familiar that the moment I walked into the room, I got used to it instantly. Basically, it is like a downgraded Bloomberg Japan office. Free-address style working area, a broadcast studio and numerous monitors provided.
The front door was shut down, the office itself was being run by a skeleton crew. As far as I could tell, most of them were managers, which made me really nervous. I knew I should be confident even in front of the president. However, the reality is more difficult than just saying it. Look on the bright side, I have been used to working with my supervisor, so I think my nervous problem can be fixed in the near future.
It seems that not only the working space is open, but the atmosphere as well. At the morning meeting, instead of writing notes, I was typing everything through my iPad Pro with Folio keyboard. My supervisor and the general manager were there, but neither of them blamed me. In fact, my supervisor himself was using his iPad to join Zoom meetings. I typed 1,500 words in a very short time and it was fully readable. I don’t think I could achieve that kind of accuracy and speed through handwriting.
During lunch time, a senior manager talked to me in English. She mentioned her schedule was rather difficult. She had to work really late in order to have meetings with a European company. It was a shame that I was not able to respond to her fluently because I haven’t practiced my English for months. I think this talk raised an internal alarm for me. Despite the fact that I am in a Japanese business department, the expectation is somehow clear. It is highly possible that they want me to deal with foreign businesses in the future.
In conclusion, my workplace is not the best, but it is good enough. When a Japanese company is mentioned, an image of an inefficient and old fashioned company pops up. I am glad my company has evolved just in time.