Dispatch Services in Japan’s Manufacturing Industry: A Strategic Guide for Recruitment Managers

Japan’s manufacturing industry is changing so fast. To stay ahead, companies need to streamline their production lines and constantly look for a flexible workforce. 

For HR managers, this means finding ways to reduce higher costs related to local hiring, retain workers’ productivity, and comply with local laws—while also dealing with labor shortages and an aging population. 

That’s where dispatch services (派遣サービス or haken) come in to offer a solution.

Learn in this blog how an international manpower agency can help you fill the labor gap by providing skilled workers who meet Japan’s high standards.

What Are Dispatch Services and How Do They Work in Japan?

Dispatch service is a practice of hiring workers from a licensed recruitment agency in Japan that’s responsible for assigning skilled workforce to the clients’ sites. While these workers perform tasks under the client’s direction (for instance, a factory owner in Japan), they remain employees of the dispatch company.

This system is regulated by the legal framework under Japan’s Worker Dispatch Law (労働者派遣法), which ensures compliance with maximum contract durations, equal treatment policies, and other labor standards for dispatch workers.

In the manufacturing sector, dispatch services are often maximized to fill roles like machine operators, assemblers, warehouse staff, and quality control workers, helping companies stay flexible with their staffing needs.

Addressing Japanese Labor Challenges With Specified Skilled Workers

Japan has faced significant employment challenges, a problem that has been around for the past few years, to which the government has yet to find a permanent solution. Driven by the aging population and the shifting labor dynamics, the country is increasingly turning to dispatch agencies to tap into the skills and expertise of foreign workers.

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Top 5 Benefits of Dispatch Services for HR Outsourcing in Japan’s Manufacturing Sector

Operational Flexibility

Production demands fluctuate with seasons, orders, and market trends. Dispatch partners allow HR managers to quickly adjust the workforce based on actual demand—without the long-term obligation of permanent hires.

Reduced Recruitment Burden

Outsourcing recruitment to a dispatch company saves HR Managers valuable time and prevents wasted effort. These agencies typically handle sourcing, screening, onboarding, and documentation—freeing up internal resources and saving more time in recruitment scouting.

Cost-Efficiency

Dispatch partners help reduce financial burdens for businesses. These agencies are particular in managing additional employee costs, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently on tight budgets.

Quick Deployment of Skilled Labor

Majority of dispatch agencies often maintain a pool of trained and job-ready workers. This ensures shorter onboarding times and guaranteed productivity. Especially in businesses that require mass and immediate deployment of workers.

Minimize Employment Risks

Many dispatch companies in Japan offer “temp-to-perm” setups. This means employers can evaluate the performance of temporary workers before offering a permanent job. 

Trial periods usually last up to 3 to 6 months and are written in the contract. Other types of dispatch contracts include:

  • Fixed-term Dispatch: The most common recruitment strategy is where the dispatch hires workers and sends them to work for another company. This setup can last up to three years. 
  • Indefinite-term Dispatch: In this method, the dispatch hires the worker with no end date in the contract and sends them to work for a company. There is no set time limit for this type of employment

What HR Managers Should Consider When Choosing a Dispatch Partner

Selecting the right dispatch agency is a strategic decision. Therefore, HR managers should evaluate the following qualities to help them make informed decisions.

Essential Checklist: How HR Managers Can Choose the Right Dispatch Partner in Japan

Finding the right dispatch staffing partner is crucial for maintaining a productive and reliable workforce in Japan’s competitive job market. This checklist will help you evaluate your chosen dispatch partner in Japan.

Download the checklist here

Strategic Manufacturing Workforce Management in Japan 

HR managers can follow this step-by-step guide to make the most of dispatch staffing and improve their overall hiring strategy.

A Step-by-Step Process of Optimizing Recruitment Planning with A Dispatch Partner for the Manufacturing Sector in Japan

Step 1: Workforce Forecasting & Market Demand Alignment

Analyze labor needs based on production goals and seasonal trends.

Step 2: Build a Hybrid Staffing Model

Combine dispatched workers with full-time staff for flexibility and stability.

Step 3: Train & Deploy Dispatched Workers

Provide onboarding and hands-on training for seamless team integration.

Step 4: Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Track productivity, worker turnover, and employee satisfaction.

Step 5: Stay Compliant with Regulations

Ensure adherence to dispatch duration limits and contract term

Conclusion

In the competitive industry of manufacturing, HR managers must think above and beyond traditional recruitment strategies to adapt to fluctuating marketing demands. With proven experience, dispatch companies provide reliable services that are flexible, compliant, and efficient to meet the labor needs of businesses in Japan. 

Whether it’s filling specialized roles on short notice or scaling up operations during peak seasons, Greatways ensures your staffing challenges are met within the timeline. By partnering with a trusted dispatch agency for Japan, HR teams can shift their focus to what they do best: developing top talent, boosting employee engagement, and building long-term workforce stability.

Need Skilled Filipino Workers for Your Manufacturing Operations in Japan?

Great Ways Manpower International specializes in providing skilled Filipino workers as a reliable dispatch partner in Japan. With extensive experience in Japan’s manufacturing industry, we help companies meet production demands quickly and efficiently.

Contact us to learn how our workforce solutions can support your long-term business goals.

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