Companies Prioritize 'Proactivity' in Young Employees: Survey Reveals Differences by Scale

Survey Overview Teikoku Databank has conducted a survey of companies regarding the attitudes and behaviors they hope young employees will develop. The survey was conducted online between May 8 and May 12, 2026, with 1,351 valid responses.

Key Findings When asked about desired attitudes, 'proactivity and initiative (the ability to think and act for oneself)' topped the list at 68.4%. This was followed by 'sense of responsibility' (34.4%), 'a willingness to continue learning' (25.2%), and 'the ability to perform duties independently' (21.0%).

On the other hand, items related to organizational collaboration and leadership, such as 'ability to engage those around them' (2.1%) and 'ability to provide OJT/mentoring to juniors' (3.4%), remained in the single digits.

Characteristics by Company Scale In large enterprises with subdivided organizational structures, 'ability to act while conscious of total team results' (24.7%) was relatively high. Conversely, in SMEs, where individuals often handle diverse tasks, items such as 'sense of responsibility' (36.1%) and 'ability to perform duties independently' (21.9%) stood out.

Outlook As it becomes increasingly difficult for companies to secure talent, the focus is shifting toward how to cultivate the proactivity and autonomy of young employees who will play key roles in the future.