#Japan #Osaka #Employee Well-Being #Dentsu #Next-Gen Platform

New Integrated Platform for Employee Well-Being

In an age where the competition is fierce, especially against e-commerce, four leading companies in Japan have banded together to address the evolving needs within large commercial facilities. Dentsu Research Institute, along with AITEC Hankyu Hanshin, Hankyu Hanshin Real Estate, and Ignition Point, have announced the development and commercialization of a next-generation integrated business platform aimed at promoting the productivity and well-being of facility employees.

Background of the Joint Venture

Today’s commercial landscape presents several challenges, including labor shortages, difficulties in creating conducive work environments, and increasingly diverse customer interactions owing to rising tourism. Japan’s workforce demographic has also shifted to include more individuals from varying backgrounds, including senior citizens and foreign workers, altering the dynamics of workplace environments.

Recognizing these challenges, the consortium aims to leverage technology to enhance both the mental and physical well-being of employees while concurrently improving their productivity. The ultimate goal is to establish a workplace foundation that fosters an environment where diverse talents can thrive.

Overview of the Joint Business Venture

At the heart of this joint initiative is a specialized smartphone application named “Koko-Waku”. This name carries significant meaning: “Koko” signifies the specific location or facility, while “Waku” stands for excitement and work. The creators aspire for the experience of working in such facilities to be more exhilarating and fulfilling.

The app emphasizes two primary objectives—enhancing operational efficiency and improving employee engagement. Here are some of its key features:
1. Streamlined Information Sharing: The app centralizes information exchange between facilities and tenants, alongside managing various requests and access control, thereby significantly boosting back-office productivity.
2. On-demand Training Materials: Employees can access training materials and videos at their convenience, promoting continuous growth and development.
3. Cultivating a Culture of Recognition: Through a unique appreciation card feature, employees can recognize each other's contributions, thereby fostering a culture of positivity and wellness.

Note: Some app functionalities may require integration with third-party applications.

Image is a conceptual design and may change as development progresses.

Future Developments

In the future, the collaboration plans to continually enhance the Koko-Waku app with additional features and functionality. Moreover, they intend to broaden its scope beyond facilities to include offices and various environments while ultimately contributing to improvements in Japan’s overall labor conditions and resolving existing labor challenges.

About Dentsu Research Institute

Dentsu Research Institute operates under the corporate vision of “HUMANOLOGY for the future”—an initiative aimed at uniting people and technology in creating innovative solutions for societal challenges. This organization endeavors to generate a feedback loop that brings together advisory, technology solutions, and societal engagement by closely aligning with corporations, government bodies, and the communities they serve.

The company is committed to cross-innovation (X Innovation), breaking traditional industry boundaries to develop groundbreaking value through the symbiotic relationship between humanity and technology in all spheres of life.

References to Partner Companies

1. Hankyu Hanshin Real Estate: A comprehensive developer known for urban development and residential projects along the Hankyu and Hanshin lines. Their focus has increasingly expanded to areas both domestically and abroad, including Australia and the USA.
- Location: Osaka, Japan
- Website: Hankyu Hanshin

2. AITEC Hankyu Hanshin: This company champions digital transformation across various sectors, utilizing technology to underpin essential urban infrastructure from transportation to healthcare.
- Location: Osaka, Japan
- Website: AITEC

3. Ignition Point: An innovation firm dedicated to fostering client innovation and transformation, inviting collaboration on new business initiatives and digital transformation through strategic investments and consulting services.
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Website: Ignition Point