Interview with Managers "MIC Co., Ltd."

I want to prove in my company that I'm fine because I don't keep working because I'm fine. (Representative Director: Nobuo Masuda)

Last updated on July 29, 2024.

Corporate introduction

MIC Co., Ltd. (Mick) was founded in 1986. This company started by Nobuo Masuda, the representative director, utilizing his consulting experience in his previous job, planning and supporting gas station customer planning. Currently, in addition to these operations, we are also operating the Nikonico Station, a total car shop base that provides maintenance and rental services centered on gas stations. There are 267 employees, of which 110 are full-time female employees. More than 70% of women, including non-regular employees, are women. This time, we spoke with Nobuo Masuda, Representative Director, about the recruitment and success of female employees, and initiatives for various work styles.

Photographs of the president and female employees

Question 1. How did you start hiring female employees?

From the beginning of independence, there were only women other than me, such as female leaders and my wife, who were subordinates in my previous job. Also, even when hiring part-timers, housewives who know my wife at that time were mainly involved. Since it was a company surrounded by women since its inception, I have never been conscious of hiring female employees. However, women workers are valuable in companies in residential areas slightly away from the center of Yokohama, not only in Tokyo, but also in Yokohama. In particular, there are still quite a few excellent women who have moved away from the forefront of business due to family circumstances such as marriage. It is no exaggeration to say that we have been supported by such female employees and have grown up to this day. In the first place, my motto about hiring is not to hire people because I have a job, but to hire good people to create jobs. In addition, I became a gear for a large company, and I became independent because I didn't want to work until retirement by lieing to my feelings. That's why I want people who think it's fun to work, who sympathize with creating a group that can self-realize through work, and feel joy as a person to work.

Question 2. What are the appeals of male and female employees?

For example, there are still many men who work at gas stations. However, sales at stores make use of women's communication skills, and the success of single mothers is particularly remarkable. I think that the attitude of working hard to support life with children with one arm is also appearing in the results. Also, what I feel as a strength of women is the seriousness of doing what I have decided exactly. On the other hand, in the case of men, there are many employees who are more flexible in working styles than women, and they have the advantage of being able to travel long distances. I want to be a company that can take advantage of the strengths and strengths of each company. At present, we have set the goal of creating a gas station that is nowhere else, and we are developing a new form of business, such as the Nico Nico Station, and are developing five directly managed stores. I want to improve the income, rewarding, and social prestige that goes a few steps above the general gas station manager.

Question 3. What is the support system for female employees?

Since 2007, we have introduced a system called the Child Care Scheme (CCS) to support employees who are raising children. This is a system that allows you to set up working hours of 6 hours or more anywhere from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm according to your convenience. In addition, during the use of this system, we have prepared a strong rule that "it is absolutely NG to work overtime or let them work." As a result, overtime hours for non-female employees using this system have also been reduced. Until now, there would have been some air that it would be difficult to return even if my boss said, "I can go home." Employees were able to return early, the company had reduced overtime, and the establishment of this system greatly increased the company's profits. In addition, we extend the period of use of this system to sixth grade in elementary school, the company pays half of the child's nursery school fees, and evolve the working environment for female employees every day while listening to the voices of the workplace. It would be a great loss for the company if an employee who learned the job quits due to marriage or childbirth.

Question 4. Finally, what do you think about supporting women's empowerment in the world?

To be honest, I feel like this. Rather, an old type of male awareness that "I don't know how women are active like men" may be highlighted as a problem. Also, it is necessary to review the concept of retirement age. As both men and women continue to work, it is necessary to change the way they face "after retirement" and "old age". By the way, our retirement age is 65 years old. After that, there are many employees who work as reemployment. However, in my personal opinion, I want to eliminate retirement age. It's not that you can work all the time while you're fine, but that you're fine because you're working. In that sense, I would like to create an environment where I can work for as long as possible. In addition, we want to create an in-house nursery that can be used by employees with children. I don't know where to start, but if a system that can support the government is created, the work environment will be improved more.

Voice of Female Employees

Mr. Sakie Fujiwara (Joined in 1998)

Photos of female employees

In his previous job, he was in charge of product planning and sales promotion of jewelry. I met MIC while I was looking for a workplace where I could make use of that experience. What I felt when I joined the company was that it was a very well-ventilated company. It is a company that makes it easy to express your opinions and ideas, and is easy to talk to bosses and presidents. My current job is in general support for gas stations, our customers, to introduce our "Nico Nico Rent-A-Car Service". I am also involved in the delivery of various tools, the arrangement of training, and the creation of websites. What I realize in my daily work is rewarding when I can help my customers. The other day, at a gas station, I proposed a plan to be implemented during the New Year, but a customer said, "It's 10th year. Thank you again this year." I was happy when you said. Currently, I have one child and I am using the Child Care Scheme (CCS). There is no overtime work, and I think it's relatively easy to balance work and family. Gas stations are now in a transitional period. I think there will be various changes in the future. However, I would like to take a positive look at these changes and grow together with the company. By all means, let's get excited with us.