XNUMX. Introduction

　Aztec is an independent research company specializing in the search and analysis of patent information, and we believe that it is a relatively niche position among companies in the IP industry.In the hiring scene, we are often compared to major companies, and we are struggling to secure better human resources every year.In fact, the job market has become a seller's market in the last few years, and although there are differences depending on the type of industry and the size of the company, it has become difficult to hire one person.In addition to hiring, it is also our mission to develop search professionals to provide higher quality patent searches.

　I (Ogura), who is in charge of this column, is in charge of human resources and general affairs in business, so by introducing the two in-house systems (working from home and educational support) that Aztec is actually implementing, I would like you to know the company Aztec from another aspect.

XNUMX. Basic information of Aztec searcher

　Aztec currently has 33 searchers.The average age is 47.3 for men and 37.8 for women, and although the core generation is both men and women in their 30s, there are searchers from a wide range of age groups, from their 20s to their 60s.The male-female composition ratio is about 4/XNUMX, but I am often told that there are a lot of female employees at meetings with customers and job interviews, which seems to be relatively rare in this industry.XNUMX% of female searchers said, "After quitting my job due to childbirth, I joined Aztec looking for a job because my child grew up to some extent." I am conscious of creating a workplace that is easy to continue.

XNUMX. Support system

　This time, we will introduce two support systems that have been well received both inside and outside Aztec.

XNUMX Work-at-home system

　This is a system that allows you to work from home using the telework system.Currently, the following target persons are permitted.

• People who have difficulty commuting
• Childcare workers (up to XNUMXth grade)
• Care worker (care required level XNUMX or higher)
• Others approved by the company

　This system was born when a searcher asked me, "I'm moving to a rural area due to my spouse's job transfer, but I want to continue my current job. Is there any way I can do it?"In such a case, searchers will be worried about the burden and income loss associated with job change activities, and the company will experience an outflow of excellent human resources and an increase in costs due to new recruitment activities and training.By using this system, we were able to avoid these mutual disadvantages.

　In addition, there are cases such as "It was difficult to commute due to injury or illness," so we are trying to respond to unexpected cases and detailed circumstances.In this way, it is well received by searchers as a mechanism that allows them to balance work and family.Furthermore, we are considering relaxing the conditions for eligible users in the next revision, and we will continue to improve the system in order to make it easier for more searchers to use it.

　The telecommuting system is particularly popular with women, and it plays a role in providing the company's “working environment that makes it easy to raise children”.Even in recruitment interviews, it is not uncommon for people to say, "I applied because I confirmed this system on the website," and I can see the high needs.Also, thankfully, the Aztec system was introduced in the magazines and reports published by the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, so I think it received a certain degree of evaluation.

　However, I had a hard time preparing in advance to put the system into operation.Since Aztec handles confidential information in its business, we have a particularly strict security system for the use of this system.For example, personal computers used for business are kept in a secure environment by a telework system.We manage materials to be taken out of the company, check detailed rules such as thorough instructions on the work environment to prevent the entry of third parties, and exchange memorandums with each target person.There are many things that need to be cleared in advance, such as revisions to the contact system and work rules, but I think it is a system that is worth it.

XNUMX Education support system

　This is a system that pays up to 1 yen per person per year for employee education and self-development activities.In addition, depending on the target, transportation expenses may be paid and activity hours may be recognized as business hours.The support targets of this system are as follows.

• Training / seminar tuition
• Purchase cost of book materials including images and models
• Examination fees and tuition fees for official qualifications and learning a foreign language

　This system was launched with the aim of promoting researcher's voluntary study attitude and activities such as educating superiors' subordinates in order to improve the quality of Aztec's research.

　So far, "I want to go to presentations/exhibitions in the technical field I am currently in charge of", "I want reference books to use in my work", "I want to be able to create macros for efficiency", "I want to attend a Chinese conversation class Many searchers have used this system to self-study, with requests such as "I want to attend" and "I want to attend a patent attorney's vocational school."This system has a wider range of support than the telecommuting system, so it has a good reputation with many users.

　For example, even searchers who said, "I couldn't find time to study because I was busy with work," said that they had more opportunities to study than before, such as reading while commuting.

　The more information you share, the higher the utilization rate of this system.In the past, there were voices such as "I didn't know that there was a system", "I was trying to use it, but I forgot about it", and "I didn't know that it could be used for such purposes" after actually starting support. It has arrived.That is why clarifying the rules and diligently sharing examples and situations is the key to revitalization.In addition, it is desirable to check with the users of the system and their superiors about the situation after using the system, and to take measures to enhance the effect as part of educational support so that the system will not be left unused.

XNUMX. Conclusion

　So far, we have introduced Aztec's in-house support system.With the work style reforms promoted by the government at the forefront, Japan is turning to seek "ease of work."Both of the two systems introduced this time play a role in "ease of work" at Aztec, but I think there is still room for improvement.I would like to continue to build support that makes it easier to work and allows me to demonstrate my abilities.

* The figures and data presented this time are as of September 2019, 9.

General Affairs Management Department Ogura

<Reference>

・ "27 Telework Model Demonstration Project: A Collection of Good Examples of Telework Utilization" issued by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/koyoukintou/ryouritu.html

・ "Work-Life Balance Report 2016" issued by the Cabinet Office
http://wwwa.cao.go.jp/wlb/government/top/hyouka/report-16/zentai.html

・ Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Telework introduction model for work style reform"
http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/telework/