Introduction
In an effort to bolster the safety and peace of mind for its employees and their families, East Japan Transportation, a taxi company rooted in the Tokyo Musen Group, has introduced the innovative sleep monitoring device,
Wellnee Sleep. This initiative reflects the company's ongoing commitment to prioritize the wellbeing of its workforce, which aligns with its core values of safeguarding employees and their families. The following insights are derived from an interview conducted by Next Link's sales representative, Kuramochi, with the company's president, Enomoto, providing a detailed look into this initiative's background, impact, and future prospects.
Company Culture: Emphasis on Employees and Families
Since its inception, East Japan Transportation has upheld a steadfast commitment to protect the welfare of its employees and their families. President Enomoto actively engages with drivers, fostering communication and creating a warm atmosphere throughout the company. He believes, "If employees feel secure, their families will also feel secure, and this contributes to the overall positivity in the workplace." This mindset resonates throughout the company, promoting a culture that values the harmony between work and personal life.
The 'E Project': An Innovative Safety Initiative
One of the company's hallmark initiatives, the
E Project, has been in place for many years. This project includes measures such as encouraging drivers to look out for one another and share insights, originating from the workplace itself and effectively enhancing safety awareness within the organization. However, recognizing the need for modernization due to changes in working styles, East Japan Transportation has updated the project this year to develop a more sustainable framework that evaluates not just sales, but the entire working style. A new personal evaluation system has been introduced, which considers aspects such as work hours, break quality, and positive feedback from customers, ensuring that evaluation metrics resonate with the realities of on-site operations.
Discovering Wellnee Sleep: Simple and Effective Monitoring
Wellnee Sleep is a user-friendly device that can be easily wrapped around the abdomen before sleep, allowing users to monitor their sleep quality and evaluate their breathing during the night. Unlike traditional devices that require finger attachments, Wellnee Sleep minimizes discomfort and boasts a straightforward application process that seamlessly integrates into daily routines. President Enomoto noted, "The previous devices were cumbersome and hard to maintain. However, Wellnee Sleep is incredibly easy to use, making it a welcome addition to our practices."
Positive Reception and Popularity
After its implementation, the response from drivers has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback highlighting the device's ease of use, lack of discomfort during sleep, and valuable insights into sleep patterns. The demand has surged to the extent that internal booking slots for the device have nearly filled up, with many employees proactively opting to try it out. This unexpected popularity accentuates the growing commitment to employee health within East Japan Transportation.
Encouraging Family Participation: Expanding the Positive Impact
Looking ahead, President Enomoto expresses a desire for employees’ families to utilize Wellnee Sleep as well, explaining that when family members recognize the company's commitment to their wellness, it improves the overall image of the taxi industry. He stated, "When families perceive that the company cares enough to provide such support, it enhances the taxi industry's reputation. The reassurance for families directly correlates to the comfort level of our drivers at work." This initiative reflects the organization's generalized strategy of supporting families as well as employees, aiming to elevate the industry’s public perception.
Praising Next Link's Support
In his remarks about the implementation process, President Enomoto praised Kuramochi from Next Link for his thorough and approachable support. "He was meticulous in his explanations, attentive to our needs, and quick to find answers to any questions. I felt a strong sense of enthusiasm without any pressure, which built our trust in the process," Enomoto noted.
Conclusion
Through the integration of Wellnee Sleep and the Employee Project, East Japan Transportation is not just improving the health and safety of its staff but is redefining employee wellness initiatives in the transportation sector. By focusing on the wellbeing of both employees and their families, they are making strides in raising industry standards and transforming workplace culture for the better.