Wako Association Achieves Excellence in Digital Transformation for Healthcare Innovation
In a remarkable achievement, Wako Association Group has garnered the Best Excellence Award at the 2025 National Work Style Transformation Award - Tokai-Hokuriku held on October 27, 2025, in Gifu, Japan. This accolade not only marks a significant milestone in their century-long journey but also highlights their commitment to effective digital transformation (DX) in healthcare and welfare industries under the philosophy of 'making everyone smile.'
The annual event serves as a platform for local businesses to exhibit their innovative work style transformations, aimed at inspiring others to implement meaningful changes. At this year's event, six participating companies presented exceptional cases of utilizing digital tools to enhance workplace efficiency. The evaluations were based on six key criteria: strategy, penetration, results, reproducibility, digital utilization, and enthusiasm.
Wako Association's winning presentation, titled No One Left Behind in DX - Transformation in Healthcare and Welfare, focused on addressing major challenges faced in medical and caregiving environments, such as employees' resistance to new technology and dependency on outdated paper-based manuals. These issues had been adversely affecting training costs for newcomers and overall workflow efficiency.
To overcome these digital barriers, Wako carefully segmented responsibilities between staff focusing on everyday tasks and those dedicated to advancing IT infrastructure. This initiative involved setting up reliable Wi-Fi connections, adopting cloud systems, and providing tablet devices, allowing staff to concentrate on their primary duties while IT specialists focused on digital advancements.
To further their digital strategy, Wako transformed over 2,000 paper manuals into a cloud-based platform. This move, backed by the appointment of young employees as 'promoters', led to an enjoyable culture of mutual support, where team members taught each other how to effectively utilize these new tools.
As a result, Wako Association achieved astounding operational efficiencies, saving over 84,240 hours per year which amounted to a drastic reduction in the time spent searching for manuals or training new hires. This newly reclaimed time has empowered employees to engage actively in community service initiatives, such as conducting educational sessions for local elementary schools. Thus, Wako successfully established a virtuous cycle where enhanced productivity directly correlates with increased employee satisfaction and a sense of purpose within their work.
For their tireless dedication to improving digital practices within a traditionally challenging sector, Wako Association has set a benchmark by effectively converting archaic manuals into a modern, efficient system. Their method not only emphasizes a top-down approach but also fosters grassroots innovation by empowering younger staff to embrace and lead the change.
As a reward for their outstanding innovations, Wako Association has earned the right to represent the Tokai-Hokuriku region at the 2025 National Work Style Transformation Award finals scheduled for December 16, 2025.
In conjunction with Wako, other notable organizations were awarded for their innovative solutions in digital transformation. Aiyueyo, for instance, won the Excellence Award for creating a sustainable work model connecting farmers and women through remote collaboration while emphasizing mutual value exchange. Additionally, several organizations were acknowledged for addressing pressing issues in their respective fields ranging from real-time cost management in printing to creating new opportunities for traditionally overlooked talents, particularly within the female workforce.
The 2025 National Work Style Transformation Award - Tokai-Hokuriku event, organized by the National Work Style Transformation Award Executive Committee, showcases the patronage of several local banks and organizations. This committee is identified with a broader aim of promoting digital transformation competence within Japan, fostering greater support for companies striving to innovate their operational frameworks.
In conclusion, Wako Association's success story encapsulates the essence of transformative leadership and community commitment, setting a formidable example for other organizations to follow. As the landscape of work and technology continues to evolve, aligning with effective digital strategies is paramount in paving the way for an inclusive and efficient future across all sectors.
The annual event serves as a platform for local businesses to exhibit their innovative work style transformations, aimed at inspiring others to implement meaningful changes. At this year's event, six participating companies presented exceptional cases of utilizing digital tools to enhance workplace efficiency. The evaluations were based on six key criteria: strategy, penetration, results, reproducibility, digital utilization, and enthusiasm.
Wako Association's Groundbreaking Approach
Wako Association's winning presentation, titled No One Left Behind in DX - Transformation in Healthcare and Welfare, focused on addressing major challenges faced in medical and caregiving environments, such as employees' resistance to new technology and dependency on outdated paper-based manuals. These issues had been adversely affecting training costs for newcomers and overall workflow efficiency.
To overcome these digital barriers, Wako carefully segmented responsibilities between staff focusing on everyday tasks and those dedicated to advancing IT infrastructure. This initiative involved setting up reliable Wi-Fi connections, adopting cloud systems, and providing tablet devices, allowing staff to concentrate on their primary duties while IT specialists focused on digital advancements.
To further their digital strategy, Wako transformed over 2,000 paper manuals into a cloud-based platform. This move, backed by the appointment of young employees as 'promoters', led to an enjoyable culture of mutual support, where team members taught each other how to effectively utilize these new tools.
As a result, Wako Association achieved astounding operational efficiencies, saving over 84,240 hours per year which amounted to a drastic reduction in the time spent searching for manuals or training new hires. This newly reclaimed time has empowered employees to engage actively in community service initiatives, such as conducting educational sessions for local elementary schools. Thus, Wako successfully established a virtuous cycle where enhanced productivity directly correlates with increased employee satisfaction and a sense of purpose within their work.
Recognition and Future Prospects
For their tireless dedication to improving digital practices within a traditionally challenging sector, Wako Association has set a benchmark by effectively converting archaic manuals into a modern, efficient system. Their method not only emphasizes a top-down approach but also fosters grassroots innovation by empowering younger staff to embrace and lead the change.
As a reward for their outstanding innovations, Wako Association has earned the right to represent the Tokai-Hokuriku region at the 2025 National Work Style Transformation Award finals scheduled for December 16, 2025.
Other Award Recipients
In conjunction with Wako, other notable organizations were awarded for their innovative solutions in digital transformation. Aiyueyo, for instance, won the Excellence Award for creating a sustainable work model connecting farmers and women through remote collaboration while emphasizing mutual value exchange. Additionally, several organizations were acknowledged for addressing pressing issues in their respective fields ranging from real-time cost management in printing to creating new opportunities for traditionally overlooked talents, particularly within the female workforce.
The Event and its Implications
The 2025 National Work Style Transformation Award - Tokai-Hokuriku event, organized by the National Work Style Transformation Award Executive Committee, showcases the patronage of several local banks and organizations. This committee is identified with a broader aim of promoting digital transformation competence within Japan, fostering greater support for companies striving to innovate their operational frameworks.
In conclusion, Wako Association's success story encapsulates the essence of transformative leadership and community commitment, setting a formidable example for other organizations to follow. As the landscape of work and technology continues to evolve, aligning with effective digital strategies is paramount in paving the way for an inclusive and efficient future across all sectors.
Topics Business Technology）
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