Corporate interviews
Rakuten Group, Inc.
Driving Innovation and Growth Through Cutting-Edge HR Technology
2024-12-16
Rakuten Group, Inc.
Rakuten provides more than 70 services across a wide range of fields, including the following: internet services, such as e-commerce, travel, and digital content; fintech services, such as credit cards, banking, securities, e-money, and cashless payments; mobile services, such as providing a mobile carrier service; and professional sports. By seamlessly linking these services through Rakuten membership, Rakuten have formed a truly unique “Rakuten Ecosystem.”
Rakuten Group, a global leader in e-commerce and digital services, is known for its innovation-driven approach to business. In this interview, Alessia, Kuno, and Okuda from Rakuten Group's Human Resource Information System (HRIS) Department, part of the Group Human Resources Division, discuss their role in optimizing HR operations through advanced management systems.
They provide insights into the department's mission and the advantages of working in a diverse and technology-focused environment.
Profile
Alessia
General Manager, HRIS Department
Kuno
Manager, HRIS Core Group, HRIS Technology Section
Okuda
Vice Manager, HRIS Operations Section
Supporting Organizational Transformation with Advanced HR Technology
―― To start, could you tell us a bit about the mission of the HRIS department and what your role involves?
Alessia: Our mission at the HRIS department is to leverage cutting-edge HR technology to support the HR infrastructure of the entire group and provide innovative and effective solutions. We utilize a globally recognized Human Capital Management (HCM) system as our core platform, aiming to smoothly manage all HR operations while staying on top of market trends and internal needs.
Kuno: At the HRIS Technology Section, we support the fundamental HR tasks such as managing employee information, education, and payroll integration from a technical perspective. We don't just rely on the existing features of the HCM system, but we also develop applications to broaden the range of solutions we offer.
Okuda: In the HRIS Operations Section, we handle the operational side, ensuring the solutions we develop are functioning properly. One of our key missions is to constantly run PDCA cycles to enhance our solutions and increase their contribution to the business. We also play a critical role in supporting the company's agile operations by quickly and accurately implementing organizational changes and personnel transfers.
―― What was the reason behind implementing the Human Capital Management system as the HR foundation for the group?
Alessia: The main reason is that it allows us to manage the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment to onboarding, development, and even retirement—all on a single platform. By eliminating the need for multiple tools, we’ve significantly improved the user experience for employees by offering a one-stop solution.
We are currently focusing on building a skills-based talent management system that ensures the right people are placed in the right roles. Rakuten Group offers a wide range of services, and the career paths of our employees are equally diverse.
By leveraging the rich data accumulated in our internal systems, we aim to provide personalized career advice and suggestions, helping employees shape better career trajectories.
―― It sounds like your work greatly contributes to the group’s HR operations. What do you find rewarding about your job?
Okuda: I feel a great sense of accomplishment when a project I’ve been working on with both domestic and international team members goes live. The depth and breadth of the system continue to amaze me, and the abundant learning opportunities I have every day help keep me motivated.
Kuno: For me, I enjoy the process leading up to the system going live. There are times when it's challenging to establish a mutual understanding between the operations and technology teams, even within HRIS. However, through continuous dialogue and brainstorming, we often come up with a viable solution together. It’s the moments when we feel that team unity that I find most rewarding.
Alessia: While the system going live is certainly exciting, one of my greatest joys is watching the members I’ve worked with over the past 11 years grow and succeed. Working in such a diverse environment offers numerous learning opportunities—not only does it enhance my skills, but it also enriches my life overall.
Innovation Fostered by a Diverse Workplace
―― The HRIS department seems to have a highly diverse environment, working closely with international teams. What are your thoughts on the appeal and culture of such a workplace?
Alessia: That’s right. HRIS has employees in the U.S. and India, and we have members in Europe as well, so we collaborate globally every day. One of the greatest advantages of working in such a diverse team is gaining new perspectives and ideas for problem-solving that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own.
Of course, differences in thinking can sometimes present challenges, but we share a common goal of supporting the organization’s business as part of one HRIS team. This creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony, which allows us to harness diversity to create powerful solutions. This is one of our greatest strengths.
Okuda: I also feel that there are many opportunities to learn from one another and discover new perspectives. Since becoming a manager, I’ve interacted with members from a variety of nationalities, genders, and age groups, and I feel that this has broadened my horizons as a professional.
Additionally, the culture of collaboration, both domestically and internationally, has been a great help in resource management.
Kuno: Many of my team members have children, and despite the diverse lifestyles, there’s a natural atmosphere of mutual support among the members.
Embracing Team Spirit and Enjoying Challenges
―― What mindset do you look for in new hires? Also, do you have any messages for those interested in joining HRIS?
Okuda: I joined the HRIS department a year and a half ago with no prior experience in HR technology. The organization is very committed to supporting employee growth, so I encourage anyone with the desire to learn, regardless of technical experience, to give it a try.
Kuno: For skills, we have a one-on-one onboarding program led by mentors, so those who are new to HR technology can feel reassured. As for the mindset, I’d say it’s important to enjoy working together as a team no matter the situation, as projects often take time and require close cooperation with team members.
Alessia: We place great importance on teamwork, so we welcome those who have strong communication skills and a team spirit. Rakuten Group is a dynamic environment rich in diversity and constant evolution, so there’s never a dull moment.
Each member’s contributions ultimately create great value, and as an organization, we prioritize the growth of our members. We’re looking forward to working with people who can enjoy change, are eager to learn, and want to help drive innovation with us.
―― Thank you for your time. I could sense that the HRIS team is truly committed to fostering employee growth and enhancing work-life quality throughout the organization, leveraging the power of technology.
Interviewer: Satoshi Nakano
Director, Bilingual Recruitment Solutions (BRS), Persol Career.
After graduating from Chuo University, Satoshi built a diverse career, gaining experience in sales, IT systems, general affairs, and the president's office at a business firm. At Persol Career, he focuses on supporting career transitions and recruitment, with particular expertise in the IT, internet, and consulting sectors. He currently oversees the sales division at BRS.
The BRS Consulting Team with the members of the Rakuten Group. From left to right: Ms. Kuno, Ms. Alessia, and Mr. Okuda from Rakuten; Mr. Nakano, Mr. Ezawa, and Ms. Cindy from BRS.
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