When searching for work, one of the first things all job hunters do is look for what a company offers its employees. This is a universal practice, and it’s no different in Japan. Knowing what a company can provide you with can be more important than even the salary itself, so understanding how such benefits work in Japan is crucial to finding the best job for you. This section will share some of the benefits that CyberConnect2 provides to its own full-time employees. The following information is not strictly limited to CC2, so please feel free to use it as a reference point in your search for a job.
Photo credit: Clipart Library
I. Commuting allowance
The cost of commuting can sneak up on you and drain your wallet dry if you’re not careful, so finding a company that offers to pay for your travel expenses can be a lifesaver! At CyberConnect2, employees are fortunate enough to receive this benefit, but it comes with one condition: you must reside at least 2 kilometers away from the office. Anyone that lives closer than that is expected to walk or commute by bicycle.
For those that do meet that requirement, you must report to HR at CC2 and inform them of your mode of transportation. They will calculate the total cost per month, and you will receive that amount as a stipend. CC2 will provide a maximum of 20,000 yen per month towards transportation. Any amount surpassing that will be paid out of pocket, so if you are considering moving, please keep commute costs in mind so that you won’t need to pay!
For insurance purposes, we strongly advise that you do not use a method of transportation that you have not reported to HR about (taking the bus when you have reported that you take a train to commute, for example.) This would complicate insurance proceedings should you somehow get hurt or find yourself in an accident mid-commute.
II. Annual paid leave
When being hired at a company, there is generally a probationary period you will have to undergo until you can receive certain benefits. One of those benefits is the employee’s annual paid leave, or paid holidays. As a general rule CyberConnect2 provides its employees with 10 days of paid leave, but you will not receive these until six months have passed from the start of your contract.
III. Social insurance
Insurance. This is one of, if not the most important benefit that a company can provide.
This section can make or break a contract for a potential employee, so it’s crucial that you check what types of insurance your future company is offering. CyberConnect2 employees receive the following through the company social insurance plan*:
*In Japan, “social insurance” means health and pension insurance, but is often used as a generalized term which also includes nursing, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.
- Employees’ Health Insurance (EHI): the standard insurance for your medical expenses. Some dental treatments are also covered as medical expenses in Japan. CC2 pays for half of the insurance cost.
- Employees’ Pension Insurance (EPI): monthly contributions are made from your wages so that you can apply for your pension when you reach old age. Foreign nationals who leave the country before they are eligible to receive their pension may apply for a Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment. CC2 pays for half of the insurance cost.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: nursing insurance for people over 40 years of age who need long-term care due to injury or diseases, mostly related to aging. Contributions start when you reach 40 years of age. CC2 pays for half of the insurance cost.
- Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance: provides insurance benefits such as medical expenses for injuries, illness, or death due to work or commuting. CC2 pays for 100% of the insurance cost.
- Unemployment Insurance: provides an allowance which is calculated per day for people between jobs. CC2 pays for most of the insurance cost.
*Each type of insurance has different conditions for eligibility of benefits. Please read the official websites for further details.
For EHI and EPI: Japan Pension Service
For others: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
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