Jump to Another Job - Part 9: Company Whitelist vs. Blacklist Research
Jump to Another Job - Part 9: Company Whitelist vs. Blacklist Research
Researching potential employers thoroughly can save you from workplace disappointment and help you identify companies that truly value their employees. This guide shows you how to use official government resources to evaluate companies.
Understanding Company Classifications
Whitelist: Certified Excellence
Companies that receive government certifications demonstrate commitment to employee welfare and progressive workplace policies.
Blacklist: Documented Violations
Companies with published labor law violations indicate potential workplace issues and should be approached with caution.
Whitelist Certifications and Awards
Certified Health & Productivity Management Organizations
健康経営優良法人 (Kenko Keiei Yuryo Hojin)
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) annually recognizes companies that prioritize employee health and productivity.
Two categories:
- Large Enterprise Category: Major corporations
- White 500: Top 500 large enterprises with exceptional health management
What this certification means:
- Comprehensive employee health programs
- Work-life balance initiatives
- Mental health support systems
- Preventive healthcare measures
Official source: METI Certified Health & Productivity Management Organizations
Family-Friendly Workplace Certifications
Kurumin Certification (くるみん認定)
Child-rearing Support Companies
Companies that create supportive environments for employees raising children.
Certification levels:
- Kurumin (くるみん): Basic certification
- Platinum Kurumin (プラチナくるみん): Advanced certification for exceptional support
Criteria include:
- Generous parental leave policies
- Flexible working arrangements for parents
- Childcare support programs
- Return-to-work support systems
Official source: MHLW Kurumin Certification
Eruboshi Certification (えるぼし認定)
Women's Advancement in the Workplace
Companies that actively promote women's career advancement and create inclusive workplaces.
Certification stages:
- Stage 1: Basic compliance with women's advancement requirements
- Stage 2: Above-average performance in promoting women
- Stage 3: Exceptional commitment to gender equality
Evaluation areas:
- Female hiring rates
- Career advancement opportunities
- Work-life balance support
- Workplace culture and environment
Official source: MHLW Eruboshi Certification
Additional Positive Indicators
Other Certifications to Look For
Environmental and Social Responsibility:
- Eco-Action 21: Environmental management certification
- ISO 14001: Environmental management systems
- B Corporation: Certified benefit corporations (growing in Japan)
Workplace Quality:
- Great Place to Work Japan: Employee satisfaction certification
- Work-Life Balance Company: Prefecture-level certifications
- Diversity & Inclusion Awards: Various organizations recognize inclusive employers
Blacklist: Companies to Approach with Caution
Labor Law Violation Disclosures
Official Government Blacklist
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare publishes a list of companies that have violated labor laws.
Types of violations include:
- Wage theft or improper salary payments
- Excessive overtime beyond legal limits
- Workplace safety violations
- Discrimination or harassment issues
- Improper dismissals or contract violations
Official source: MHLW Labor Law Violation Disclosures
How to use this information:
- Download the latest PDF from MHLW
- Search for companies by name or industry
- Check the specific violation types and dates
- Consider the severity and recency of violations
Understanding Violation Contexts
Recent vs. Historical Violations
Evaluation factors:
- Date of violation: Recent violations are more concerning
- Type of violation: Safety issues vs. administrative errors
- Company response: Did they address the issues properly?
- Repeat offenses: Pattern of violations vs. isolated incidents
Company Size Considerations
Large corporations:
- May have more visibility and scrutiny
- Resources to address issues quickly
- Multiple locations may have different standards
Small to medium enterprises:
- May have less formal HR processes
- Violations might indicate systemic issues
- Limited resources for compliance improvements
Research Methodology
Step 1: Official Government Sources
Primary research checklist:
- Check METI health management certifications
- Verify family-friendly workplace certifications
- Search MHLW labor violation database
- Review any industry-specific certifications
Step 2: Cross-Reference Multiple Sources
Government databases:
- Ministry websites for current certifications
- Local government business directories
- Industry association member lists
Professional sources:
- Company annual reports and CSR documents
- Professional association memberships
- Industry award announcements
Step 3: Employee Feedback Research
Anonymous review platforms:
- Glassdoor Japan: Employee reviews and salary information
- Vorkers (現在のOpenWork): Japanese employee review platform
- 転職会議 (Tenshoku Kaigi): Job change discussion platform
Important caveat: Prioritize official government sources over anonymous reviews, but use employee feedback for additional context.
Step 4: Professional Network Intelligence
Information gathering:
- LinkedIn connections at target companies
- Industry meetups and professional events
- Alumni networks from your university or previous companies
- Professional associations in your field
Red Flags Beyond Official Violations
Workplace Culture Warning Signs
During interviews:
- Evasive answers about work-life balance
- No clear explanation of career advancement paths
- Excessive emphasis on "dedication" or long hours
- Lack of diversity in interview panels
Company communications:
- Job postings with unrealistic requirements
- Poor employer branding or outdated websites
- Negative news coverage about workplace issues
- High employee turnover rates
Financial Stability Indicators
Company health signals:
- Recent layoffs or restructuring announcements
- Delayed salary payments reported in news
- Credit rating downgrades
- Significant customer or client losses
Making Informed Decisions
Weighing Positive and Negative Factors
Decision framework:
- Deal breakers: Labor law violations, safety issues
- Strong positives: Multiple government certifications
- Contextual factors: Industry norms, company trajectory
- Personal priorities: Career goals, work-life balance needs
When to Proceed Despite Concerns
Acceptable scenarios:
- Minor administrative violations that were quickly resolved
- Company demonstrating clear improvement efforts
- Strong personal connections vouching for current conditions
- Exceptional career opportunity with clear exit strategy
When to Walk Away
Clear warning signs:
- Recent serious labor violations
- Multiple employees reporting similar issues
- Company refuses to address your concerns
- Gut feeling that something isn't right
Documentation and Follow-Up
Record Keeping
Research documentation:
- Screenshots of certification databases
- Saved copies of violation reports
- Notes from network conversations
- Timeline of company improvements or issues
Ongoing Monitoring
After joining:
- Stay aware of your rights under Japanese labor law
- Document any concerning workplace practices
- Maintain your professional network for future opportunities
- Continue monitoring company certifications and news
Key Takeaways:
- Use official government sources as your primary research foundation
- Look for multiple positive certifications as strong indicators
- Take labor law violations seriously, especially recent ones
- Combine official data with network intelligence for complete picture
- Trust your instincts when warning signs accumulate