Sankodo Adopts Female Employees' Strategies to Overcome Labor Shortage
Sankodo, a century-old cosmetics manufacturer based in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is addressing chronic labor shortages by integrating strategic insights from its female workforce. Founded in 1926 by a seafood wholesaler who developed a skin treatment liquid for employees, the company has grown to sell its flagship product, 'Beauty Undiluted Opal,' in approximately 500 stores nationwide. Unlike many competitors, Sankodo prioritizes research and development over advertising, relying on product quality and word-of-mouth. Under the leadership of third-generation president Motoyuki Sasaki, the company recently shifted away from traditional 'sales with spirit and guts' approaches. Instead, it adopted practical wisdom and innovative sales techniques proposed by female employees to enhance efficiency and customer engagement. This strategic pivot highlights how small and medium-sized enterprises in Japan are adapting to demographic challenges by leveraging internal talent diversity. The article, published by Asahi Shimbun on the company's 100th anniversary, illustrates a broader trend of modernizing traditional business practices to sustain growth in a tight labor market.
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Sankodo Adopts Female Employees' Strategies to Overcome Labor Shortage
Sankodo, a century-old cosmetics manufacturer based in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is addressing chronic labor shortages by integrating strategic insights from its female workforce. Founded in 1926 by a seafood wholesaler who developed a skin treatment liquid for employees, the company has grown to sell its flagship product, 'Beauty Undiluted Opal,' in approximately 500 stores nationwide. Unlike many competitors, Sankodo prioritizes research and development over advertising, relying on product quality and word-of-mouth. Under the leadership of third-generation president Motoyuki Sasaki, the company recently shifted away from traditional 'sales with spirit and guts' approaches. Instead, it adopted practical wisdom and innovative sales techniques proposed by female employees to enhance efficiency and customer engagement. This strategic pivot highlights how small and medium-sized enterprises in Japan are adapting to demographic challenges by leveraging internal talent diversity. The article, published by Asahi Shimbun on the company's 100th anniversary, illustrates a broader trend of modernizing traditional business practices to sustain growth in a tight labor market.
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