2019 Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 109-119
Since the 2000s, we have seen movements toward creating “Good work environments” based on such factors as work-life-balance and diversity management. It is essential that workers be proactive in order to create “Good work environment for workers” instead of work environments where employees simply do as managers command. What would be required for workers to realize “Good work environments” ? This study analyzes the case of the Suntory Group, which has been making concerted efforts from both the labour and management sides, aiming to clarify what roles the Suntory Workers Union played in generating a better work environment. In the Suntory Group, continuous attempts have succeeded in reducing work hours. The Suntory Workers Union contributed to this success by making determined efforts to intervene in the process. Above all, the union consistently utilized questionnaires to understand worker views about the campaign and then relayed these workplace voices to management.
Annals of the Society for the Study of Social Policy
