JRLA Launches Free '1on1 Diagnosis' for Companies Struggling to See Results Despite Implementation

The Japan Relational Leadership Association (JRLA), represented by President Eiji Hayashi, announces the launch of a free diagnostic service called '1on1 Diagnosis' on July 14, 2026. This service is designed for companies that have already implemented 1on1 meetings but feel they are not achieving the desired impact or facing challenges in sustaining effective practices.

The '1on1 Diagnosis' is a free assessment tool enabling HR, talent development, and organizational development teams—responsible for driving 1on1 initiatives—to answer approximately five minutes of online questions. Participants can then instantly identify their company's current 1on1 status, key challenges, and priority areas for improvement. Results are automatically displayed on-screen and are also issued via a dedicated results page, which can be downloaded as a PDF.

Free '1on1 Diagnosis' service page:

https://1on1-diagnosis.jrla.jp/

Growing Number of Companies Implement 1on1s but Struggle to See Results

In recent years, many companies have adopted 1on1 meetings, driven by the need for human capital management, improved employee engagement, and stronger managerial coaching.

However, challenges persist at the operational level, including: "We're holding meetings, but seeing no results," "dialogue quality varies significantly by manager," "employees don't perceive the value of 1on1s," and "HR cannot fully grasp what's happening on the ground."

While the adoption of 1on1 support and management tools has improved tracking of meeting frequency, challenges remain in areas such as "dialogue quality," "employee perceived benefits," "managerial implementation capability," and "the cycle of continuous improvement."

To address these issues, JRLA is offering the free '1on1 Diagnosis' as an entry point for companies to assess their current 1on1 practices and initiate meaningful improvements that deliver real impact in the workplace.

Overview of the '1on1 Diagnosis'

The '1on1 Diagnosis' is a free diagnostic service for companies that have already implemented 1on1s but feel they are not achieving the desired impact or facing challenges in sustaining effective practices.

Primary users include HR, talent development, organizational development, and 1on1 promotion task forces—teams responsible for planning and driving internal 1on1 initiatives.

Respondents answer approximately five minutes of online questions to receive diagnostic insights into their company's 1on1 program, covering aspects such as implementation purpose, system and operational design, frontline adoption, monitoring of implementation status, and mechanisms for improvement and sustainability.

This newly launched free diagnosis helps organizations grasp the overall picture of their 1on1 initiatives, visualizing their current status and areas for improvement. In the future, JRLA plans to expand the offering to include the 'Field Perception Diagnosis' for managers and employees, and the 'Manager Practice Capability Diagnosis' to visualize managerial 1on1 skills and implementation strength.

Diagnostic Results Provided

Based on responses, the diagnosis categorizes a company's 1on1 program into one of four types, presenting its current positioning and an overall commentary.

Additionally, results are displayed across five key categories critical to effective 1on1 programs:

Clarity of Implementation Purpose

System and Operational Design

Frontline Adoption and Training

Monitoring of Implementation Status

Mechanisms for Improvement and Sustainability

The report also presents hypothesis-driven insights into potential challenges, priority themes for review, and risks associated with leaving issues unaddressed. A summary suitable for sharing with leadership and other departments is included, enabling use in internal discussions and formal proposals.

Sample screen of the diagnosis report, showing type classification, category-specific results, challenge hypotheses, priority review themes, and summary for leadership sharing.

Three Key Features of the '1on1 Diagnosis'

1. Visualize the Current State of 1on1 Initiatives Using 4 Types and 5 Categories

Based on responses, the diagnosis classifies the state of a company's 1on1 program into four types—ranging from relatively well-established programs to those facing challenges in improvement cycles, frontline adoption, or foundational setup—enabling clear understanding of current positioning.

Simultaneously, results are displayed across five categories: Clarity of Implementation Purpose, System and Operational Design, Frontline Adoption and Training, Monitoring of Implementation Status, and Mechanisms for Improvement and Sustainability.

2. Present Challenge Hypotheses, Priority Review Themes, and Risks of Inaction

Beyond simple scoring, the diagnosis presents hypotheses about potential challenges derived from responses.

It also highlights priority themes for review and risks associated with inaction, enabling HR and organizational development teams to easily transition into the next phase of discussion and planning.

3. Automatically Generate Shareable Results Pages and PDFs for Internal Use

Diagnostic results are instantly displayed on-screen and issued via a dedicated results page, which can be downloaded as a PDF.

A summary designed for sharing with leadership and other departments is included, making it ideal for internal discussions and formal proposals regarding 1on1 program improvements.

Free Individual Consultations with JRLA Consultants for Interested Parties

After using the '1on1 Diagnosis,' interested parties can access free individual consultations with JRLA consultants who specialize in 1on1 programs.

Participants can not only review their results but also discuss where potential challenges lie in their 1on1 initiatives, the optimal sequence for improvements, and what is needed to transform 1on1s into effective, impactful practices.

Launch Special: Free Report '1on1 Program Revitalization Handbook' Offered

As a launch special, companies that use the '1on1 Diagnosis' by August 31, 2026 will receive a complimentary PDF report titled '1on1 Program Revitalization Handbook—Improvement Points to Prevent Ritualization and Drive Real Impact in the Field.'

This report summarizes common reasons why 1on1 programs become ritualized and key points HR and organizational development teams should reconsider to enhance effectiveness. When reviewed alongside the diagnosis results, it serves as a valuable starting point for internal discussions on revitalizing 1on1 initiatives.

Additionally, interested parties can schedule free individual consultations with JRLA consultants, using both the diagnosis results and the free report to discuss priority themes and improvement strategies based on their company's specific situation.

Free diagnosis eligible for launch special:

https://1on1-diagnosis.jrla.jp/

Future Developments

JRLA will use the free '1on1 Diagnosis' as an entry point to support companies in re-evaluating their 1on1 programs.

Future plans include launching the 'Field Perception Diagnosis' to survey managers and employees on their understanding, implementation status, and perceived benefits of 1on1s, and the 'Manager Practice Capability Diagnosis' to visualize the 1on1 skills and practical abilities of managers.

Based on diagnosis results, JRLA will also offer further support, including 1on1 program redesign, Manager 1on1 Practice Training®︎, external mentoring services, and 1on1 implementation support.

Executive Comment

Eiji Hayashi, President, JRLA

The purpose of 1on1s is not simply to implement them or track meeting frequency. They only become meaningful when they contribute to employee development, build trust between managers and subordinates, and improve dialogue at the workplace.

To date, many companies have practiced 1on1s