Revamped Product Engineering Center Promises Enhanced Work Environment

Suido Kiko Co., Ltd., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, has recently undertaken a significant renewal of its Product Engineering Center located in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture. This initiative is part of the company’s commitment to improve employee engagement through various enhancements in the workplace, aimed at providing a better working environment in light of recent climate challenges and promoting overall health and productivity.

Overview of the Renewal

The renewal process focuses on four key areas: office environment improvement, business process enhancement, work environment upgrades, and safety management enhancements. Recognizing the increasing severity of climate-related events, such as extreme heat in summer and bitter cold in winter, the enhancements included the installation of more air conditioning units to ensure employees can maintain their health and productivity throughout the days of extreme weather.

Additionally, to foster communication and connection among employees, a new break area with an attached convenience store was established, while a transition to a paperless workflow was facilitated by introducing the multifunctional cloud-based workspace tool, Notion. This tool not only streamlines communication but also nurtures a collaborative spirit among teams. Furthermore, a mobile application was developed to manage the spaces within the center, enhancing safety and providing efficient tracking of employee movements.

Key Enhancements Introduced

Office Improvements

- Installation of a new break area featuring a convenience store
- Refurbishment of meeting rooms
- Heating and cooling systems added to changing rooms
- Installation of additional staircases
- Resurfacing of the parking area

Business Process Enhancements

- Adoption of the Notion workspace tool to promote team collaboration and information sharing
- Strengthened initiatives towards creating a paperless office

Work Environment Upgrades

- Installation of partitions and additional air conditioning units in areas with poor airflow
- Provision of spot coolers and industrial fans in workspaces
- Replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED lights for energy efficiency

Safety Management Improvements

- Developed an app for tracking employee locations and managing entry/exit protocols
- Expanded sidewalks at the entrance and installed solar-powered lights for better visibility and safety

Background for the Renewal

The impetus for renewing the Product Engineering Center stemmed from the building's aging infrastructure and the need to adapt to organizational changes. By mitigating disparities between the headquarters and the center, Suido Kiko aimed to elevate the working conditions to match the standards of its corporate environment, thus enhancing the overall employee experience. The company is dedicated to continued development based on employee feedback, ensuring a work environment conducive to productivity for employees of all ages.

Employee Feedback Post-Renewal

The renewal has received positive feedback from employees at the PE Center. Comments like “It looks great, and the working conditions have improved” (a male employee in his 40s), and “With the introduction of Notion, it has become easier to oversee the progress of projects and maintain collaboration with other departments” (a male employee in his 20s) highlight the success of the renovations. Another employee noted, “The new break area has created opportunities for team bonding during ice breaks,” which underscores the center's enhanced communal spirit. A female employee, also in her 40s, praised the cleaner environment, attributing it to better retention rates, as it now attracts younger talent more easily.

At Suido Kiko, the focus will remain on improving labor conditions and business processes while fostering enhanced communication and motivation among employees, aiming to boost productivity in alignment with evolving demands.

About Suido Kiko Co., Ltd.

With a vision to connect people and the planet through innovation and passion that contributes to a vibrant future, Suido Kiko has been at the forefront of water-related services for nearly a century since its establishment in 1924. The firm remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the essential resource of water while looking towards a sustainable future.

Company Name: Suido Kiko Co., Ltd.
Established: August 1924
Founded: January 1936
Capital: ¥1.947 billion
Number of Employees: 856 (As of March 31, 2024, consolidated)
CEO: Toru Furukawa
Headquarters: 5-48-16 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-0054
Contact: Tel. 03-3426-2131, Fax. 03-3427-3388
Website: Suido Kiko