Evolving Employee Benefits: The Enhanced Pollen Allergy Allowance for 2023

Cook Deli Inc., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, and Osaka City, is launching its enhanced pollen allergy allowance for 2023, marking the second year of this initiative aimed at improving employee well-being. With the onset of pollen season, the allowance, which was first introduced last year, has been modified based on employee feedback and the tangible benefits observed in productivity and health management.

Addressing the National Health Issue

Pollen allergies, often referred to as a "national illness," have become a pressing concern in workplace health management. Recognizing this, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in Japan has incorporated pollen allergy measures into its 2023 Health Management Excellence Corporation Certification, emphasizing its direct impact on productivity and employee welfare. A recent employee survey revealed that nearly half of the workforce suffers from pollen allergies, with a staggering 89% indicating that their work performance is impacted.

Upgrade of the Allergy Allowance

Taking into account last year's feedback, Cook Deli has made significant upgrades to its pollen allergy allowance, which includes:

1. Increased Treatment Cost Subsidy: Many employees expressed the desire to pursue fundamental treatments like sublingual therapy and laser treatment but noted financial constraints. Responding to this, Cook Deli has increased the allowance to support long-term symptom relief, rather than just short-term solutions. Already, one employee has utilized the subsidy for laser treatment.

2. Provision of Masks: Alongside last year’s well-received high-moisture tissues, the company has now added masks to its offerings based on employee requests, providing practical daily tools to combat pollen sensitivity.

Positive Reactions and Wider Impact

The response to these initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, with partners and clients acknowledging Cook Deli as a company committed to employee welfare and proactive health management. This enhanced benefit program not only attracts prospective employees amidst a labor shortage but strengthens internal commitment among existing staff. Employees feel their voices are heard, leading to greater engagement and satisfaction in the workplace.

Holistic Health Approaches

Besides pollen allergy management, Cook Deli is taking additional steps towards comprehensive employee health, notably focusing on "intestinal health" in 2023. Led by in-house nutritionists, the company conducts health seminars and promotes the consumption of intestinal health snacks. Furthermore, financial support for intestinal flora testing and providing gut-friendly snacks are part of the measures meant to bolster immunity. Given that around 70% of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut, managing this environment contributes significantly to overall health.

A Commitment to Health Management

As Cook Deli continues to grow, the need for a healthy and supportive work environment has been recognized as a key management issue. The recent establishment of a Well-Being Promotion Office illustrates this commitment to long-term employee health strategies. Fostering a conducive workplace and improving work-life balance has direct implications for employee retention and recruitment, ultimately influencing the company’s competitive edge. Cook Deli is not only enhancing its pollen allergy allowance but also introduces various programs like a salad bar for lunch and nutritional benefits to comprehensively support employee wellness. Such actions have garnered recognition, leading to certificates as a "Health Management Excellence Corporation 2025" and "Great Place to Work."

About Cook Deli Inc.

Cook Deli is dedicated to providing fully cooked frozen meals specifically designed for elderly care facilities. By delivering approximately 220,000 meals daily to around 7,000 facilities, the company addresses the growing need for nutritious and safe food as Japan faces significant demographic shifts.

For more information on Cook Deli Inc. and its initiatives, please visit cookdeli.com.