Tokyo-based recruitment firm Wahl & Case has announced a new fee agreement designed to mitigate clients’ risk when hiring.

Trademarked as the ‘Anshin Contract’, the structure pushes the typical three-month refund/replacement clause standard in Tokyo to a six-month, 100% guarantee.

Wahl & Case managing director, Casey Wahl, explains that the contract structure is designed to make clients feel more comfortable when working with an outside recruitment firm.

Wahl says that firms need to be able to show return on investment after the outlay of recruitment fees, which can sometimes run to more than ¥10m ($100,000): “We’re very confident our consultants have the business nous to accurately identify, screen and introduce top talent to our clients — but inevitably every once in a while a placement doesn’t work out.

“We’re committed to supporting our clients over the longer term, and this new structure really backs up our word and cuts their risk.”

Recruitment contracts in Tokyo typically have a standard guarantee of three months/50% — so if a placed candidate quits the job within three months, the recruitment firm will provide a free replacement or a refund of 50%.

Wahl & Case’s Anshin Contract offers a 100% fee reimbursement or replacement search if a candidate leaves for any reason within six months of joining. The service includes thorough references and third-party background checks.

Wahl & Case serves global firms operating or starting up in Japan and Asia, and Japanese firms expanding to international markets.