Report on OM Network's Family-Inclusive Employee Trip
OM Network, a SaaS development company based in Niigata, Japan, recently completed its first-ever employee trip that embraced family participation on October 4-5. This event, promoted through PR TIMES, operated under the guiding slogan, “Bring your family to say ‘thank you’.” The trip was more than just an outing; it was a carefully designed experience intended to create a joyful cycle of gratitude among employees, their families, and the organization itself.
Highlights of the Trip
The employee trip was packed with exciting and heartwarming moments, reinforcing the company culture of care and connection.
Visible Joy Among Families
The trip was structured to allow families to enjoy their time freely. Kids from preschoolers to high school students, along with parents, were able to personalize their day according to their preferences, resulting in an atmosphere filled with smiles that lasted throughout.
Strengthening Employee Bonds
Many spontaneous meet-ups occurred that transcended departments and roles, creating a shared experience that will likely facilitate smoother collaboration in the weeks following the trip.
Discovering Unseen Sides of Colleagues
The relaxed atmosphere revealed different sides of coworkers, providing insights into their hobbies and interactions with family members, thereby enhancing team cohesion.
Calls for More Family Trips
Feedback from participants indicated a strong desire for this to become a recurring event, with many expressing interest in including grandparents for future outings. This experience positioned family involvement as a meaningful part of employee well-being strategies in the company.
Daily Schedule Overview
Day 1: Free Day at Tokyo Disneyland
Families engaged in various activities according to their preferences—some focused on character meet-and-greets, while others planned around rides and photo opportunities. Instances of accidental encounters among colleagues turned into shared adventures, with families capturing precious memories together.
At night, a dinner party was held at the hotel, where introductions around tables fostered connections beyond professional identities. Quizzes and bingo games using photos from the day sparked laughter, creating a warm atmosphere enhanced by children’s joyful voices.
Day 2: A Day of Complete Freedom
On the second day, families enjoyed another round of free play, whether revisiting the park or exploring nearby shopping areas, providing a flexible yet fulfilling experience for all. Many shared how this freedom allowed them to enjoy their time and travel home with light hearts.
On-Site Experiences
Throughout the trip, the happiness of families was evident. Children waved at characters, and parents felt the warmth of being supported by their work community. The bond strengthened among colleagues, leading to softer interactions in meetings and increased collaboration post-trip.
Opinions from participating employees, including UI/UX designers and engineers, highlighted the fresh perspective gained from seeing their colleagues in a family context, emphasizing the company's supportive culture.
Emotional Takeaways from Participants
“Looking at the photos we took together warm my heart every time,” shared an employee. “The atmosphere created by the organizers made it natural for bonds to form.”
“It was refreshing to see happiness as families and colleagues connected for the first time,” noted another.
Closing Reflections
The trip served as a reminder of the importance of familial connection in the workforce. As the CEO Shinya Yamagishi remarked, “These two days were filled with countless ‘thank you’s we brought together with our families.” Participants experienced the reality that work comes with familial support, further bridging personal and professional lives. The success of this event has laid the groundwork for future family-inclusive activities, strengthening the company’s commitment to work-life balance.
Future Initiatives
Plans are underway for additional family engagement events, including:
1.
Family Day: An open house for families to experience company products and participate in mini-development workshops for kids.
2.
Online Family Briefing: A live broadcast for distant family members to learn about the company's mission and updates.
3.
Story Bank: Sharing “happy moments” from employees and families internally, fostering a culture of sharing and inclusion.
4.
Support System Review: Enhancing support for balancing work with familial obligations such as childcare and caregiving.
The trip not only enriched employee experiences but also redefined the company culture towards a more family-inclusive approach, ensuring everyone felt valued and supported.