Increase in the number of senior users of “Otetsutabi” | People in their 50s and 60s are contributing to resolving labor shortages in rural areas | Motives include “new experiences” and “travels to various parts of Japan”
*Otetsutabi Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 5, 2024
**
Increase in the number of senior users of “Otetsutabi” | People in their 50s and 60s are contributing to resolving labor shortages in rural areas | Motives include “new experiences” and “travels to various parts of Japan”
*As Japan’s working population decreases, seniors are becoming a valuable labor force that supports local communities*
*
Otetsutabi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Rina Nagaoka, hereinafter referred to as “Otetsutabi”), which operates the human resource matching site “Otetsutabi” that combines help and travel, is a company that operates Otetsutabi, a human resource matching site that combines help and travel.・In response to the increasing number of pre-senior participants, We conducted a questionnaire survey targeting people over the age of 50 who have participated in Otetsutabi. *
Investigation background
* An era of labor supply constraints. Rural areas have an even more serious labor shortage*
In an era of labor supply constraints, serious labor shortages continue, especially in major industrial sectors such as rural agriculture and tourism. Recruit Works Institute’s “Future Prediction 2040” predicts a labor shortage of over 3.41 million people in 2030 and 11 million people in 2040*
In response to this problem, Otetsutabi, a service that combines help (short-term part-time jobs) and travel, eliminates labor shortages in the region by matching businesses with labor shortages with travelers who want to enjoy traveling while working. We have contributed to the revitalization of the local economy and the creation of a related population.
*Source: Recruit Works Institute “Future Prediction 2040”
https://www.works-i.com/research/report/item/forecast2040.pdf
* Increased interest in rural areas. There is also the option of early retirement “FIRE”*
Since the coronavirus, there has been an increase in interest in moving to rural areas with greater freedom of residence due to the spread of telework and the use of work places, and there has been an increase in interest in “FIRE”, which is the idea of gaining financial freedom and retiring early. As a background, the number of users of “Otetsutabi” is expanding not only to young people but also to seniors.
*Changes in participant age groups*
A comparison of the age groups of cumulative participants as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2023 revealed that the number of participants aged 50 and over is increasing. Participants aged 50 and over increased from 8% of the total in 2021 to 23% in 2023, reflecting the growing interest of seniors.
* Activities by seniors contribute to resolving labor shortages in rural areas. Also an opportunity for new experiences and encounters* While Japan’s total population is decreasing, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over is increasing, reaching 33.3% by 2036, and it is predicted that one in three people will be elderly. Masu※. Under these circumstances, seniors are expected to be a valuable workforce that supports local communities. We also conducted this survey because it is believed that for seniors, working while traveling can bring benefits such as “a sense of purpose,” “new challenges,” and “connections with society.”
*Cabinet Office Current status and future vision of aging:
https://www8.cao.go.jp/kourei/whitepaper/w-2020/html/zenbun/s1_1_1.html *Survey overview*
Research entity: Otetsutabi Co., Ltd.
Survey name: Questionnaire for people aged 50 and over who have experienced stress
Survey period: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 to Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Survey target: People over 50 years old who have participated in “Otetsutabi” Number of responses: 230 people (number of valid respondents) Area: 47 prefectures
Survey method: WEB survey
◇As a result of the questionnaire survey, *
The most common motive was “I want to go to various parts of Japan.” This was followed by “I want to have new experiences,” “I like traveling and hot springs,” and “I can save money on accommodation and travel expenses.”
was listed.
◇Rather than volunteer activities such as “I want to contribute to society,” I am attracted to enriching my own life and enjoying traveling while reducing my financial burden.*
It became clear.
◇Also, * even though it is a part-time job, there are a minority of people who chose the reasons as “to maintain livelihood (to supplement living expenses)” or “to save/save money.”*
It was. However, the fact that “I can save money on accommodation and travel expenses” came in 4th place, which suggests that the intention is not to make money, but to enjoy the trip by keeping costs down. * Reason for participating in “Otetsutabi” (written answer) *Partial excerpt* – Unlike traveling, you can experience the charm of a place and its people by staying there for a long time. It’s fun because I have more opportunities to meet places and people I don’t know yet (50s) woman)
– I wanted to stay here as if I were living there because I never get bored of sightseeing trips that take you to places I wouldn’t have chosen on my own. Because it helps people (female in her 60s) – At the time I participated in Otetsu Tabi, I had retired from my job where I had been working for nearly 20 years and was thinking about the stage of my life that would take me into retirement. Recently, there seems to be a term called “career break”, and I participated as a challenge and experience during that break. (50s male)
– I want to improve my experience and interpersonal skills by experiencing new social interaction situations in order to break through my self-conception during my long life as an office worker (60s)
(Male) Although I was interested in traveling alone, I wanted to take on the challenge of “Otetsutabi” where I could learn a little more about the area and meet new people through helping out. Of course, the fact that there were no accommodation fees was also appealing. (50s
woman)
– I got time away from my kids. Up until now, I have lived a family-centered life, so from now on I want to do what I like. (Female in her 50s)
– My children were grown and I was looking for the next stage in my life. I decided to try my best if I could still be of help, so I started the challenge. (Female in her 60s)
– I have been working in a nursery school for 26 years. Since I have never worked in any other type of work, I wanted to get a feel for the feelings of workers and gain some work experience through working in various occupations. (50s
woman)
– I’m almost done raising my children, I don’t have to work for a living, and I’m tired of wasting every day. I decided to participate because I wanted to do something that would help people and have an experience that I had never had before. (50s
woman)
– I want to travel, but I thought it would be nice to be able to do so while saving money. I decided to participate because I thought it would be even better if I could help others. (Female in her 50s) – Simply put, this is to maintain a harmonious marital
relationship. After retiring at the age of 60, I spend more time at home and spend more time with my wife, and sometimes we get into trouble over trivial things. Therefore, if you are away from home once in a while, your relationship will be better. Please give it a try. (60s
male)
Reason why I thought “I’m glad I met you”* (Descriptive answer) *Partial excerpt*
– I sympathized with the kindness of the employees at the inn and their hard work (50s)
(Female) I was inspired by seeing employees who are close to my age struggling to make ends meet (60s)
(Female) Staff aged 60 to 80 were active and active. He was passionate about what he loved and was an attractive person (50s) (Female) I became friends with people I would never have met in my life. I was able to work with the host staff as comrades, including emotional exchanges (female in her 60s)
– It was very meaningful and fun to be able to talk about various things with the younger generation of people who come every time they visit. (Female in her 60s)
– Four friends I met for the first time drove together, ate together, and made memories that will last a lifetime. The woman in my room was also the same age as me, so I had a nice conversation with her. I learned a lot by understanding the difficulty of making beds, cleaning, and working in the backyard. (50s
woman)
– Would you like to be recognized by your manager and work at our company? (Female in her 50s)
– When I joined, I was the oldest, and the younger ones ranged in age and background from college students to those in their 30s and 40s. Each person participated with a specific purpose, and listening to their stories was very enjoyable and informative. (50s
male)
– Everyone quickly became friends and everyone was very kind. We had a valuable experience and we continue to keep in touch and interact even after the Otetsutabi is over. (50s
woman)
– I was inspired by meeting people from the same generation and from different generations who are about to start a new life. Also, I was able to meet host families who are working hard to revitalize the area. (50s
woman)
What do you think about the benefits of using Otetsutabi for seniors and pre-senior generations? * (Descriptive answer) *Partial excerpt* – I think Otetsutabi is good for seniors who have settled down with childcare, retired, or are thinking about a second life, as they can experience jobs they have never had before and broaden their horizons. (50s
woman)
– Before we knew it, our children had left the nest and we had fallen into the “empty nest syndrome.” We, the generation who are no longer relied on or needed by anyone, are crushed by the feeling of loneliness every day. I feel the meaning of my existence by being of help to others (in my 50s).
woman)
– At this age, I realize once again that there are many different types of jobs in the world, each with their own hardships, and all kinds of people, so I think my way of thinking will become more flexible.
woman)
– I took part in the hospitality industry, and it broadened my horizons as I learned about the efforts and hardships of the people who host them. Also, I was able to experience an extraordinary experience that I had never experienced before, so I want my friends to know how fun it is. (60s)
male)
– Working with young people is very stimulating and I can utilize my previous work and life experiences. I have a lot to learn (female in her 50s)
– You can look back on your current outlook on life. I can humbly look at myself (male in his 60s)
– Want to make friends and have a sparkling time! I can’t help but participate in things like this. I think the most important thing is to work in new places and while traveling. I’m sure I’m lacking in skills, but I’m trying to be as helpful as possible, and if I can gain some confidence from that, then there’s a point in participating, so I’m happy. There are some places that accept me because I’m not a young person, so if you’re interested, it’s fun to take on the challenge. (50s
woman)
– I think as we get older, we naturally lose the desire to take on new challenges. Moreover, when it comes to part-time jobs at resorts, there is a strong image of students, and I think there are quite a few seniors (in their 50s) who are concerned about their appearance and are unable to do it.
male)
– This is a generation where many people have rigid values and perspectives, so I think this is a good way to change yourself. (Male in his 60s)
– Our generation is no longer living a life where retirement equals retirement, as was the case a generation ago, but there are people who want to continue working in some way, both out of economic necessity and from the perspective of their own happiness. I think there are many. The things you need to experience now are: 1. Relaxing your rigid preconceptions, 2. Realizing diversity through contact with different generations, and 3. Gaining experience in adapting to your “first” environment. I feel that it will be very useful for career changes after retirement, such as gaining experience. In short, I feel that I can acquire “flexibility”, which is difficult to obtain in the workplace, and which seniors and pre-senior generations are weakest at (although I think it is important for employees to be aware of this). Although this is the most important and important premise). (50s
male)
– I think that the senior generation, who are generally rigid in their minds and find it difficult to break out of their own areas of experience and consciousness, are difficult to accept. There are many different people applying, but I think they are looking for an experience that is different from their past experiences. If you can work with a wide range of age groups, adapt to different living environments, have common sense, and maintain a sense of gratitude, I believe you will be able to find an opportunity to change your mindset for the rest of your life. (60s)
male)
– I think we can break down the stereotypes of what people should be like in the Showa era. I think you will be able to see a different world and revitalize your mind and body, allowing you to age in good health. I think you will gain confidence that you can still be useful, and your appearance will become livelier. (60s)
woman)
– Now that I’m almost 60, all I have are fond memories of climbing mountains and driving with young people. Interacting with people from different generations has helped me update my way of thinking. (50s woman)
– Seeing the local staff who are older than me working
energetically at Otetsutabi gives me courage and energy. It will give you the strength to live in old age. (Male in his 60s)
– No matter how old you are, you can enrich your life by learning things you didn’t know and meeting people who have lived different lives. (Female in her 60s)
– I think it is unique to seniors that they can take advantage of their free time, which is not limited to periods such as students’ summer vacation. (Female in her 50s)
– It’s difficult to earn a living, but I think it’s suitable for people who have some extra time after retirement. You may feel like you are separating from society by not working, but you can maintain your connection with society by participating in Otetsu-toba. (50s woman)
*Participant’s experience article*
At 65 years old, my dream is to win the national championship. I quit my job because I was worried about my problems. A 51-year-old dream-chasing journey to start Naruto Rakkyo
He retired early at the age of 54, hoping to go somewhere other than Tokyo. A journey to find the ideal place to move to
Read interview article
*What is Otetsutabi?*
This is a human resources matching service that combines “helping (short-term part-time jobs)” and “travel.” We match local businesses facing labor shortages with travelers who want to enjoy traveling while working.
* Traveler *
Although you will have to pay for your own transportation to the destination, you will be able to earn money by working at your destination, which will reduce the financial burden of your trip. In addition, you can interact with local people, discover new local attractions, and gain experience in working in various industries. *Business operator*
can hire workers from outside the region to help with their operations by offering them compensation and accommodation (such as a dormitory). We can gather workers from all over the country, and there is no need to pay transportation expenses. Furthermore, by having workers sightseeing in the area on their days off or in their free time, we can expect to revitalize the local economy.
As of September 2024, *
The number of registered users exceeds 60,000, and participants are from a wide range of age groups, including university students, working adults, people looking for a job, and seniors. The number of accepting businesses is 47 prefectures nationwide.
Expanded to 1,600 businesses. *
The main industries are accommodation and primary industries such as hotels and inns, but there is also a wide variety of other industries such as guesthouses, campgrounds, sake brewing companies, seafood processing industries, and restaurants.
View Otetsutabi site
*About the interview*
We would like more people to know about “Otetsutabi” as a new style of travel and a means of securing human resources during busy periods. Therefore, we actively accept media interviews. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us using the form below. We look forward to hearing from you at the planning stage.
Inquire about coverage Company name: Otetsutabi Co., Ltd.
Representative: Rina Nagaoka, Representative Director and CEO Address: (Tokyo Office) 3-31-12 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053 (Shizuoka Office) 1-8-43 Takabayashi, Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 430-0907
Established: July 2018
Capital: 70,286,500 yen
URL: https://otetsutabi.com/