#Japan #Tokyo #Benefit One #Leafea #Daiichi Life

New Partnership to Support SMEs in Japan: Daiichi Life, Benefit One, and Leafea

In a significant step towards bolstering employee benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Daiichi Life Insurance Company and Benefit One have entered a partnership with Leafea, a rising welfare service provider. This collaboration aims to enhance local economies and provide robust support to SMEs, which play a crucial role in Japan's workforce.

Objectives of the Cooperation

Under the initiative dubbed the "National Worker Support Project," the three entities will leverage Daiichi Life’s extensive network of approximately 1,000 locations and a workforce of about 37,000 personnel, alongside Benefit One’s comprehensive welfare platform and Leafea’s accessible daily living support services. The key objectives of this partnership include:

1. Development of Competitive Welfare Services
The collaboration will aim to create and provide competitive welfare services by merging Leafea's daily living support offerings with Benefit One's extensive array of welfare services.
2. Accelerated Provision for SMEs
Utilizing Daiichi Life’s sales channels and regional networks, the partnerships will expedite the delivery of welfare services to SMEs across Japan.
3. Promotion of Local Economic Revitalization
The collaboration will focus on co-developing localized service content by partnering with businesses and shops across various regions, enhancing the usage of these services to stimulate local economies.

Addressing SME Challenges

SMEs account for about 70% of Japan's total employment, making them vital to the country's economic framework. However, they face numerous challenges, including an aging population, shrinking labor force, and inflation leading to fierce competition for talent. Securing and retaining skilled employees has become a pressing issue for these businesses.

In light of these challenges, enhancing employee benefits has emerged as an essential strategy to improve employee satisfaction and competitive recruitment capabilities. However, introducing and managing welfare programs can be resource-intensive, especially for smaller companies. Additionally, there are regional disparities in access to welfare services, making it imperative to establish a fair system that allows all employees to enjoy the benefits equally. Through this collaboration, the partners aim to deliver valuable welfare services to a broader range of businesses and employees, regardless of size or location.

Features of Leafea's Services

Leafea specializes in providing easily accessible welfare services centered around discount offerings at supermarkets and well-known chain stores across Japan. By collaborating with regional financial institutions, Leafea is expanding its services to encompass more valuable offerings for rural areas as well. Their sophisticated UI/UX ensures employees can intuitively find and utilize these services, thereby enhancing overall welfare service engagement.

Launching a New Option: "Benewan Life Plus powered by Leafea"

As part of their initial effort, Benefit One is launching a new option called "Benewan Life Plus powered by Leafea'' within its comprehensive welfare service platform known as "Benefit Station," starting December 1, 2026. This option will allow users to access various discount services, including a potential 10% off at convenience stores across the country.

"Benefit Station" boasts over 1.4 million services, covering leisure, dining, childcare, education, and health. Recent enhancements include offering Netflix plans as a means of supporting daily life, demonstrating the platform's commitment to providing accessible, everyday benefits. With the integration of Leafea's services, users will have increased opportunities to experience the value of employee welfare in their daily lives.

Future Prospects

Through this partnership, Daiichi Life, Benefit One, and Leafea are dedicated to expanding services that contribute to regional revitalization and enhance daily support for countless lives. They plan to continue developing beneficial initiatives that address the rapidly changing workforce landscape in Japan.

For more details, you can check the official press release from Daiichi Life: Daiichi Life Press Release.

Company Overview

• - Leafea: Established on July 20, 2022, Leafea specializes in welfare services and aims to enhance the value of such services across various regions.
• - Daiichi Life Insurance: Established on September 15, 1902, Daiichi Life is a prominent player in the insurance sector, providing various life insurance solutions.
• - Benefit One: Founded on March 15, 1996, Benefit One focuses on welfare services, healthcare, incentive businesses, and more, playing a vital role in enhancing employee satisfaction across Japan.