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Japan’s Construction Labor Shortage: How HR Managers Can Find Skilled Workers
The lack of construction workers in Japan has contributed to a major labor crisis. What triggers it is the growing demand for infrastructure and housing, weakened by a shrinking workforce.
For HR Managers, hiring skilled workers has become a constant challenge. Delayed construction projects, rising labor costs, and operational bottlenecks will continuously hinder business growth and success unless effective recruitment strategies are in place.
If you’re constantly asking yourself how to hire skilled construction workers in Japan during a labor shortage, the answer lies in this blog. Discover how you can improve your recruitment process with one effective solution—establishing and nurturing a partnership with a human resource dispatch company.
Why it’s a Struggle to Hire Construction Workers in Japan
Most HR departments in Japan still rely on local job boards or internal referrals to find construction workers. While this may have worked in the past, it’s no longer enough to adapt on recruitment demand.
Here are the top six common hiring pitfalls that contribute to the labor crisis in Japan’s construction sector.
6 Common Pitfalls in Japan’s Construction Industry
Japan’s construction workforce is growing older. Many skilled workers are retiring, and there aren’t enough younger people stepping in to replace them. This creates a skills gap and reduces overall productivity on job sites.
The majority of young Japanese workers in construction sector show less interest in physical and manual jobs. Many prefer careers in offices or technology-related fields, making it harder to attract new workers.
There is a rising need for construction labor due to large infrastructure projects, city upgrades, and rebuilding efforts after natural disasters. However, the demand for workers is growing faster than the supply, creating a labor shortage in service industry.
There are only a limited number of job seekers who are qualified or willing to work in construction. Because of this, many companies end up trying to recruit from the same small group, leading to stiff competition.
Hiring new workers in Japan’s construction industry often takes time. Companies must conduct background checks, verify documents, and provide training. These necessary steps slow down how quickly new workers can be put on the job.
Many workers leave their jobs quickly, especially those hired temporarily. Often, they switch to other companies that offer better compensation or working conditions. This constant turnover makes it difficult to maintain a stable workforce.
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Greatways Manpower is a well-established human resource dispatch company with exceptional expertise in sending specified skilled Filipino workers to Japan.
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Effective Measures to Overcome Labor Shortage in Japan’s Construction Industry (建設 業 人手 不足 対策)
As an HR manager, you have an important role in resolving recruitment challenges. As a guide, here are simple yet effective ways to attract and retain a skilled construction workforce in Japan.
Hire Foreign Construction Workers in Japan
The local government is now welcoming overseas construction workers in Japan through the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program. This includes the specified skilled worker visa for construction jobs in Japan.
Workers receive support such as Japanese language training, safety instruction, and work guidelines. The program also helps foreign workers adjust to life and culture in Japan.
Build a Welcoming Work Environment
Encourage more women to join your construction team and help break
long-standing gender stereotypes. Remember, creating inclusive facilities and promoting work-life balance are key steps toward building a diverse, stable, and well-rounded workforce.
A recent study about women in welding reveals a growing number of female welders, proving that diversity brings strength and innovation. If gender inclusivity works in welding, there’s no reason it can’t thrive in the construction industry as well.
Establish Internship Programs
Offering technical internship training programs in construction is a great way to attract younger workers in Japan. These programs give students hands-on experience and a better understanding of the industry.
By seeing the real work environment, they can move past the common misconceptions of construction being “dirty” (汚い), “tough” (厳しい), and “dangerous” (危険な). Thus this approach helps build interest and respect for careers in construction among the next generation.
Maximize Technology and Modernize Construction
Adopting advanced machinery and automation can reduce the physical strain of construction jobs, making the industry more appealing to a broader range of workers in Japan. By using digital tools for design and planning, and drones for real-time safety monitoring, companies can modernize construction operations and create safer, more efficient worksites.
These innovations not only boost productivity in construction but also contribute to enhancing recruitment—helping attract younger, tech-savvy Japanese who may have overlooked construction as a career option.
Invest in Human Resource Dispatch Company
To resolve the growing labor shortage in construction, consider partnering with a 人材派遣会社 like Greatways Manpower International Inc. At Greatways, we offer reliable 派遣サービス tailored to your recruitment needs. This approach will help you create a more skilled, flexible, and job-ready construction workforce in Japan.
Partnering with a 人材派遣会社 as a Strategic Solution to Labor Shortage in Construction
One of the most efficient ways to overcome labor shortages in Japan’s construction industry is by outsourcing your recruitment to a dispatch human resource provider. These companies specialize in sourcing, screening, and deploying skilled workers tailored to your project needs.
Greatways Manpower International connects Japanese construction firms with highly qualified workers from the Philippines and other labor-rich countries, ensuring that your job sites remain fully staffed and compliant.
What Makes Filipino Construction Workers Qualified in Japan?
Filipino workers are widely recognized for their:
- Strong work ethic
- Technical training and certifications
- Experience in large-scale international projects
- Cultural adaptability and English proficiency
These attributes make them ideal candidates for Japan’s rigorous construction standards.
Why Filipino Skilled Workers Are Japan’s Best Bet at Maximizing Their Business’ Potential
Learn why filipino skilled workers are the best fit for your business in Japan.
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How Greatways Made Recruitment Compliance Simple
Hiring foreign workers can be complex due to visa restrictions and employment regulations. However, when working with a certified dispatch company like Greatways Manpower International, the legal and compliance aspects are taken care of.
Our team ensures that all placements follow:
✅ Japanese labor regulations
✅ Immigration and visa laws
✅ Safety and skills certification standards
結論
In Japan’s competitive construction market, where skilled workers are becoming harder to find, taking proactive steps is essential. Partnering with a reliable dispatch manpower agency like Greatways Manpower International helps you quickly fill the workforce gap, ensure construction projects are on schedule, and maintain high-quality service.
Instead of spending months searching for uncertain local hires, you can onboard skilled, job-ready foreign construction professionals who can help you save time and resources.
Ready to Build Your Construction Workforce?
Reach out to Greatways Manpower International and discover how our international dispatch solutions can help you overcome Japan’s construction labor crisis.
