Vietnamese Worker Wins National Customer Service Contest at SEVEN-ELEVEN JAPAN

On June 19, 2024, at the 2nd Seven-Eleven Japan National Customer Service Contest, Le Thi Huong Thao, a Vietnamese employee working at the Kobe Sannomiya Station South store, won the top prize. She emerged as the winner from among 2,476 participants and was one of 22 finalists representing over 400,000 Seven-Eleven employees nationwide. Her victory not only highlights her dedication but also reflects Seven-Eleven Japan's commitment to providing quality customer service and supporting foreign workers.

1. Background of the Customer Service Contest

The contest, initiated by SEJ last year, aims to enhance employee engagement, particularly providing a platform for foreign employees to showcase their skills. From 2,476 representatives selected from stores across Japan, participants advanced through regional and area competitions before reaching the national finals. The finals were held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, with judging criteria based on five categories: first impression, basic register service, product recommendation, adaptability, and emotional impact.

2. SEJ's Support for Foreign Employees

SEJ has implemented training programs to create a comfortable working environment for foreign employees, addressing language and cultural differences. These programs include learning about Japanese hospitality and overcoming language barriers. For example, training is provided to help employees understand Japanese nuances, such as punctuality and specific expressions. SEJ's Vice President, Noda Seima, emphasizes the importance of customer service in securing repeat customers and unlocking the potential of foreign employees.

3. SEJ's Initiatives and Future Outlook

SEJ supports employee growth through various training and recognition programs. For example, shift leaders can participate in training courses that earn them star rankings, boosting motivation and morale. SEJ is also addressing labor shortages by improving recruitment and creating a supportive work environment, including training programs for new employees and developing educational leaders. These efforts aim to reduce turnover and improve service quality.

4. Le Thi Huong Thao's Journey and Challenges

Le Thi Huong Thao came to Japan eight years ago and started working at Seven-Eleven while studying Japanese at a language school. Despite facing language barriers, her perseverance has made her an invaluable member of her team. Her service, characterized by a warm smile and kindness, has earned high praise from customers. The owner of the Kobe Sannomiya Station South store regards her as a leader among foreign employees, playing a crucial role in conveying the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

Le Thi Huong Thao's grace left a strong impression on the judges

5. Future Prospects for Le Thi Huong Thao

Le Thi Huong Thao's victory marks a significant turning point in her career. As she continues to gain experience in Japan, she is expected to grow further. Her success will inspire other foreign employees and contribute to the overall morale at SEJ. With more success stories like hers, SEJ will continue to internationalize and solidify its position as a company where employees from diverse cultural backgrounds can thrive.

6. Conclusion

Le Thi Huong Thao's victory in the 2nd Seven-Eleven Customer Service Contest holds significant meaning for both SEJ and her personally. Her hard work and passion have been recognized, serving as an encouragement to Seven-Eleven employees nationwide. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of SEJ's support system for foreign employees. Moving forward, SEJ is expected to leverage its diverse talent pool and achieve further growth.