There is a growing movement to introduce a so-called "in-house side business" system that allows large companies to allocate part of their working hours to work in other departments.
IHI up to 8 hours a week
Of these, the in-house side business system started by IHI, a major machinery manufacturer, in November last year allows employees to work differently from the work of their department for up to 8 hours a week.
Approximately 100 people are using the system with the aim of improving their abilities and discovering new businesses through interaction between employees.
Mai Shirakawa, who is usually researching plastic material joining technology, has Friday as a side business day and develops image recognition apps while making use of her programming knowledge.
Mr. Shirakawa said, "I have more opportunities to interact with various people. I think that some will lead to business development, but I would like to take on the challenge with free ideas without thinking too much about profitability."
Recruiting in-house side businesses for operations exceeding KDDI 80
In addition, KDDI, a major telecommunications company, is also seeking in-house side businesses for more than 80 businesses in order to promote innovation, and Tokio Marine & Nichido and Ricoh, major non-life insurance companies, have also introduced systems.
An increasing number of companies are accepting side jobs at other companies, but it is likely that there will be more movement to introduce "in-house side jobs" among large companies with diverse businesses and human resources.