Word Wiz: Proxy Quitter

In Japan, a proxy quitter refers to an individual who hires a third party to resign from their job on their behalf. Providers, such as resignation company Momuri, charge the equivalent of $150 to $350 to make the call, submit paperwork, and collect badges or uniforms. According to a 2025 Washington Post article on proxy quitting, the trend reflects young professionals' discomfort with confronting supervisors directly in a culture that deeply values harmony.

"In Japan, You Can Hire ‘Proxy Quitters' to Resign for You" states that employees facing harassment, overwork, or unresponsive managers often turn to proxy resignation to avoid conflict or rejection. As Japan's labor market tightens, the services are becoming mainstream. For instance, in 2024, The Guardian found that approximately one in six job changers used resignation services, and nearly one in 10 companies received proxy resignations.

If workers don't feel safe and secure enough to speak to supervisors about job dissatisfaction, disengagement, or potential resignation, employers can strengthen coaching, offer confidential feedback routes, and ensure better offboarding processes. According to a 2024 Boston Consulting Group study, leaders who prioritize psychological safety can reduce attrition risk to less than 3 percent of their workers.