SMK by the Numbers
As of March 2024
Company
Founded
1925
Number of employees (Group)
4,104
Number of offices and factories (Group)
35in16regions
Sales (consolidated)
46,522
Million Yen
Percentage of sales by region
How we work
Days off annually
(SMK Japan)
126days
Average overtime hours per month
(SMK Japan)
4.6hrs/month
3-year retention rate
(SMK Japan)
83.3%
Average years continuously worked
(SMK Japan)
20years
Rate of paid leave taken
(SMK Japan)
68.9%
Percentage of newly-grad and mid-career hires
(SMK Japan)
Of current employees
Rate of childcare leave taken
(SMK Japan)
Men44%Women100%
Distribution of employees in Japan
Foreign staff working in Japan
Staff survey
Q1What was the deciding factor in your decision to join SMK?
The feeling I got from the orientation and interview that this is an easy place to work because of the warm culture and colleagues getting on well together.
(HR, newly-grad recruit, 2024)
I felt that developing parts that support familiar products and seeing the finished products would give me a sense of accomplishment.
(Design, newly-grad recruit, 2023)
I thought that I could grow as a salesperson because SMK customizes its products, which means a lot of conversation with the customer and internal discussion among colleagues.
Joining the company, I sometimes have the role of a project leader, taking the lead across the departments in the launch of a custom product. This is my third year with the company, and I feel that such valuable experiences have helped me to grow.
(Sales, newly-grad recruit, 2022)
I felt that as smartphones and home appliances become more advanced, the embedded electronic components also have room for further development.
(Sales, newly-grad recruit, 2024)
I thought that SMK makes a big contribution to society because its parts are found in products that we see and use in our everyday lives.
(Production control, newly-grad recruit, 2023)
The opportunity to work in a global environment because SMK has offices around the world.
(Sales, newly-grad recruit, 2023)
Q2What are your favorite supports and benefits?
It is so convenient. It is not just that the system is in place, it is that the culture here makes it easy to use.
It is extremely helpful as I have three small children and it gives me flexibility in the mornings and evenings.
I can use my time efficiently. It has given me some breathing room for daily life ad it has also boosted my productivity at work.
The guarantee of two consecutive weekdays off is truly appreciated. Since flexible days off can be taken for up to four consecutive days, some people even combine them with a three-day weekend to travel abroad, making it a dream-worthy system!
When studying for a qualification, this system offers examination fee subsidies, allowances and more. The company is particularly supportive of English and it offers correspondence courses, language lessons, and exam fee subsidies. Thanks to these supports, I have greatly improved my TOEIC score since I joined the company and I also get a monthly allowance.
Q3How do you spend your time on days off and after work?
I try to have one day for rest and one day for learning every weekend. I do some light exercise, take a long bath, as well as doing some reading or watching an online seminar.
After work, I take part in a company club activity or use the time to pursue a hobby at home.
There is a lot of free time after work (because my regular working hours end at 17:05). You can go to see the doctor or go shopping. Lately I have been spending about an hour walking.
There is good work-life balance. I can forget my job on my days off, and really enjoy the family or my hobby of solo camping.
Q4Is there anywhere for colleagues to meet and chat?
I have all sorts of conversations with my department colleagues during dinners out and at lunchtime.
I am a member of the "light music club" and we play at the cherry blossom festival and summer festival every year. I have been able to deepen connections with colleagues from other departments through music.
During working hours, I am able to interact with staff in other departments in the course of my cross-functional tasks.
The company provides opportunities to chat with colleagues from other departments and generations at events, bonenkai end of year parties and so forth.