The Pros and Cons of Working as a Dispatched Employee for Foreigners

In Japan, there is a work style known as dispatching. This article introduces the differences between permanent employees and dispatched employees, and the pros and cons of working as a dispatched employee for foreigners.

What is Dispatching?

Dispatching(派遣/haken) is a work style where you sign an employment contract with a staffing company and work at another company's site.
Although the workplace is different from the dispatch company, the dispatch company handles salary payments and social insurance procedures. The salary is often paid hourly.

About the Contract Period

There are two types of dispatching: fixed-term dispatch and indefinite-term dispatch.

• Fixed-term Dispatch: The contract period is fixed. When the dispatch period ends, you may be introduced to another dispatch site, but sometimes the contract just ends. The contract period varies by job and company, typically ranging from 3 to 6 months.
• Indefinite-term Dispatch: You work as a dispatched employee without a fixed contract period. The salary is often paid monthly, providing stable income. You can often work at the same dispatch site for a long time.

Differences from Permanent Employees

Compared to dispatched employees, permanent employees have the following characteristics:

• Direct employment contract with the company
• No fixed employment period, allowing for long-term work
• Often receive bonuses
• Opportunities for promotions and raises, leading to higher salaries

The appeal of permanent employment often includes bonuses. However, dispatched employees' hourly wages typically include bonus amounts, so the difference may not be significant for some jobs.

Pros and Cons of Working as a Dispatched Employee for Foreigners

Pros

• Wide range of job options
• Job search and support from the dispatch company
• Flexible work to match your desired lifestyle

Dispatched employees have more job options compared to permanent employees. In Japan, companies cannot easily dismiss permanent employees for company reasons, so many companies prefer hiring dispatched employees. Some companies even convert dispatched employees to permanent employees.

Dispatch companies provide support from job searching to during work. This support can be useful for those not yet accustomed to living and working in Japan. You can find jobs that fit your lifestyle, such as those with many holidays or those with lots of overtime. Dispatch companies with many foreign registrants often offer multilingual support.
You can start as a dispatched employee and, if you find the job and company suitable, try for a permanent position.

Cons

• Workplaces may change frequently
• Lower salary without special skills compared to permanent employees
• No bonuses

Dispatched employees face less stable employment compared to permanent employees. The contract period is fixed, so there is a possibility that it may not be renewed. In such cases, even if registered with a dispatch company, you will not receive a salary until you start working at the next site.
Salaries are often hourly, so months with many holidays result in lower earnings.
While many Japanese companies offer summer and winter bonuses, dispatched employees do not receive bonuses. However, the hourly wage for dispatched employees is often higher to account for this.

Additionally, those with special skills may earn higher hourly wages, sometimes exceeding permanent employees' earnings on an hourly basis.

How to Find a Job in Japan as a Foreigner

• Use job search websites
• Register with dispatch companies and agents
• Search on SNS like Facebook and LinkedIn
• Check recruitment information on interested companies' websites
• Attend joint information sessions and job fairs
• Use Hello Work and Foreign Employment Service Centers

Using job search websites is common in Japan. Some websites offer multilingual support for foreigners, allowing you to search and apply for jobs by occupation and location.
Hello Work is a public institution in Japan that provides job consultation, employment support, unemployment insurance consultation, and job introductions. They have facilities nationwide, and some offer multilingual consultations. You can also use their services online from anywhere in Japan.

The "Foreign Employment Service Centers" in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka are run by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. They support foreign employment, including job search support for international students and new graduates. Services are available both online and in-person.
Checking company websites for recruitment information is also a good idea. Look for pages labeled "Recruitment Information."

Conclusion

Working as a dispatched employee comes with the support of dispatch companies. This support makes it easier for those not yet accustomed to life in Japan to navigate job searching smoothly.
However, there are differences from permanent employees, such as fixed employment periods and the absence of bonuses. For those wanting to work long-term in Japan, starting as a dispatched employee and then aiming for a permanent position is recommended. Consider working as a dispatched employee as one of your options.