Something for the weekend: Japanese technology firm Trust Ring has introduced some unusual benefits for its 60 employees, including leave for hangovers and celebrity announcements.
In order to combat labour shortages in Japan, the Osaka-based organisation is using unique tactics to attract and retain talent. It is offering employees time off to recover from a hangover if they had a few too many the night before. Those who normally start at 9am can snooze their alarm and show up to work at 12pm without any repercussions. Employees can also access a beer tap and other alcoholic beverages in the office.
One employee said in an interview with Kansai TV: “Because I used the hangover leave system, I can go back to work at 12pm. You can sleep for two or three more hours and come back to work with a clear mind. I feel like I will be more efficient.”
Additionally, employees can also take the time to absorb major announcements from their favorite celebrity, with one member of staff doing so when the marriage of an actor and musician was announced.
Trust Ring’s president, Daigaku Shimada, stated in a TV interview that the policies have helped to foster a healthy working environment, boosted business performance and contributed to improved employee satisfaction, with no turnover over the past three years.
He added that the aim of the policies is to contribute positively without compromising the starting salaries the organisation offers which are around 222,000 Yen (£1,174.16) a month, just above Japanese minimum wage, with additional overtime pay.
Takuya Sugiura, chief executive officer of Trust Ring, told Kansai TV: “Our salary is set just over minimum wage and we can’t use a lot of money, so [employees are] free to do what they want. I think it’s a good idea to have a more enjoyable working environment.”
These sound like interesting staff perks to us here at Employee Benefits!
