Japan reaches out to Greater IBMers in their own language
The Greater IBM Connection is off to a solid start in Japan, where a new program conducted in Japanese has met with a warm welcome.
"We saw the benefit of removing the language barrier created by operating in English," said Saori Hirose, who helped prepare the initial communications and is part of the team working to build an active program for Greater IBMers. "The response from former employees and retirees has been very positive."
Moderators from IBM Japan represent a number of disciplines, including Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs, Human Relations, executive staff and communications.
"We are very encouraged that more than 100 people registered in the first month," she said. "And interest is growing as we make more people aware of the program through various tools, including a newsletter."
Many registered using the "OBNet" site (a communications tool HR established for retirees).
"We think many retired IBMers are looking forward to using this site because in Japan we focus the contents on Community Relations," Hirose-san added.
Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs offer recruitment and the activity reports for volunteers. In addition, members tell others about their volunteer activity, search for associates who can work with them, and introduce one another, which helps expand the network.
In the summer of 2008, the G8 summit will be held in Japan, so interest in the environment will sharply increase in Japan.
"We think that all IBMers use this site as a ‘thinking place' about the future of the earth," said Keiko Fujii, who represents corporate citizenship and corporate affairs on the team. "IBM will share news about its environmental initiatives through Project Big Green and the participants can introduce their volunteer activities related to the environment."