CJ Group’s focus on talent management was paramount to its massive growth over the last 70 years
In CJ Group’s rapid expansion, from its humble beginnings as a sugar manufacturer to its current status as a worldwide lifestyle brand, its focus on talent management has served as the cornerstone of its success. Throughout its 70-year history, CJ Group has been at the forefront of the ever-changing talent management landscape, pioneering many HR practices that are now commonplace in South Korea.
Since the 1950s, CJ CheilJedang has established itself as a trailblazer in the corporate world with initiatives such as open recruitment for entry-level hires and the nurturing of new talent through specialized training programs. Not only was it the first major Korean company to adopt business casual attire, but it also standardized job titles under the Korean term “nim” in place of specific job positions in 2000. These measures were aimed at fostering a more flexible organizational culture conducive to boosting productivity.
In the modern day, CJ continues to innovate in talent management with initiatives like the “CJ OnlyOne Fair” and internal venture projects, which allow employees to freely explore ideas for products, services and content. The group also maintains a fair and transparent promotion system, enabling any talented individual to ascend from an entry-level recruit to a CEO. In 2024, CJ promoted seven executives born in the 1980s and 90s, a testament to a workplace that prioritizes performance over seniority.
To explore how CJ Group is reshaping South Korea’s work culture and cultivating a healthy talent acquisition ecosystem, watch the video on CJ Newsroom’s official YouTube channel.
