What does it mean to “work in your own way”?
Starting a job search can be an exciting time filled with new opportunities, but it can also bring uncertainty and stress. Even after joining a company, adapting to a new workplace and new responsibilities can sometimes involve challenges and concerns.
At American Engineering Corporation (AEC), we are committed to creating a workplace where every employee can continue working with confidence while being true to themselves.
As part of this commitment, AEC partnered with LITALICO Works Okinawa, a vocational transition support organization that provides employment support services for people with disabilities across Japan, to host a company information session and mindfulness experience workshop.
The purpose of this workshop was not only to introduce AEC’s business and workplace culture, but also to help participants develop a foundation for maintaining their well-being by taking time to reflect on their own mental and physical condition and learn practical self-care techniques for continuing to work with confidence.
Learning About AEC. Reflecting on Yourself.
During the company information session, AEC introduced its business operations, workplace policies, leave programs, and internal support resources available when employees need assistance.
AEC employees also shared their personal experiences, including what they have learned through their daily work and what it is like to work at AEC.
Participants shared comments such as, “Learning that the company has an environment where employees can comfortably take time off gave me a sense of reassurance,” and “I felt that AEC welcomes diverse perspectives and values.”
Following the company session, participants experienced a mindfulness workshop incorporating breathing techniques and journaling.
Mindfulness is a practice that helps individuals focus on the present moment and become more aware of their own thoughts, emotions, and physical condition.
Through this experience, participants took time at their own pace to reflect on themselves and learn self-care techniques that can be applied in their daily lives, during their job search, and after beginning employment.
Insights Shared by Participants
After the workshop, participants with different backgrounds shared their personal reflections and experiences.
One participant who had been interested in AEC and was looking for opportunities to use English shared that the workshop strengthened their interest in AEC’s international and diverse working environment.
The participant also shared that they had experienced difficulty speaking when feeling nervous in front of others. By learning techniques to regulate their breathing, they felt encouraged to approach this challenge more positively.
Another participant, who had little previous exposure to the construction industry, reflected that they had rarely taken time to focus on “how they were feeling in that moment.”
Through the company information session, the participant learned about AEC’s belief in valuing not only work but also personal life. They shared, “Rather than focusing only on what industry I work in, I want to consider the kind of people I work with. I would like to work in an environment with this kind of culture.”
Although each participant had different experiences and perspectives, the workshop provided an opportunity for them to reflect on their approach to work and view their future career journey in a more positive way.
Building a Foundation for Long-Term, Meaningful Careers
This workshop provided participants with an opportunity to learn practical self-care methods that anyone can apply in their professional lives. Participants also shared that they gained a better understanding of AEC’s approach to diversity and workplace culture, helping them visualize what working at AEC could look like.
At AEC, we are committed not only to creating a workplace where every employee can contribute their strengths, but also to providing information and support that helps job seekers take their next step with confidence.
For AEC, partnering with LITALICO Works Okinawa to create this opportunity was a meaningful experience that allowed us to further share our approach to supporting individuals in their career journeys.
We would like to thank all participants and the LITALICO Works Okinawa staff members who supported this workshop.
AEC will continue strengthening collaboration with local communities and various partners while creating an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can utilize their unique strengths and thrive in their own way.
