#Japan #Tokyo #OKWAVE #GRATICA #TAKASO

Supporting Those Who Create Deliciousness

Context and Challenges
Founded in 1946, TAKASO has been pivotal in supporting the culinary creators within the vibrant Kappabashi tools district. The company extends a variety of services – from wholesale and retail of Japanese and Western tableware, cooking tools, and kitchen equipment, to supporting the launch of dining establishments. Within the company, fostering a collaborative environment where team members assist one another naturally and celebrate small gestures of gratitude is paramount. While TAKASO had previously utilized paper thank-you cards to express appreciation, it faced several challenges, including:

• - Monthly manual data collection and card distribution processes were cumbersome and time-consuming.
• - The need for a more accessible environment for sending and receiving cards to enhance interaction.
• - Cultivating a consistent habit of recognizing and conveying gratitude among employees.

In response to these challenges, TAKASO sought a more efficient method to further strengthen their internal culture.

Decision to Implement
Several decisions led to the adoption of the cloud-based gratitude card system, GRATICA:

• - The platform's user-friendly interface facilitated seamless implementation during the trial phase.
• - Cases of successful deployment at client sites provided a clear understanding of its practical applications.
• - Compared to other services evaluated, GRATICA was more budget-friendly for deployment.

These factors combined led to the choice of GRATICA as the primary tool to facilitate gratitude within the company.

Achievements Post-Implementation
Since the adoption of GRATICA, TAKASO has observed significant improvements:

• - Reduction in manual data processing and card distribution efforts.
• - A notable increase in the number of gratitude cards sent compared to the paper-based system.
• - Enhanced visibility of employee contributions and collaborative efforts through publicly shared cards and positive feedback.
• - More opportunities for learning about diverse tasks being undertaken by other departments and fostering inter-departmental cooperation.
• - An expansion in the variety of expressions of appreciation, ranging from simple messages to elaborate stories.

Feedback from TAKASO
Initially, there were concerns about losing the personal touch associated with handwritten cards and whether sentiments would be adequately conveyed in a digital format. However, hands-on experience proved those worries unfounded. Employees have embraced the platform, enjoying the creative potential of using photos and card designs. Many now express that they wish they had transitioned to digital capabilities much sooner.

About GRATICA
GRATICA is a cloud service that utilizes online gratitude cards, fostering a culture of appreciation and enhancing internal communication. The system also allows points to be accrued via gratitude cards, linking them with employee benefits. With a satisfaction rate exceeding 90%, it is positioned as a staple for enhancing workplace morale.

About OKWAVE
OKWAVE, listed under the stock code 3808, is committed to improving societal well-being through the aggregation and visualization of gratitude stories. Beyond operating Q&A community site OKWAVE, the company provides services that strengthen mutual support and engagement, including the successful deployment of GRATICA in over 700 organizations. OKWAVE media amplifies their outreach with potent non-profit and corporate communication strategies.

The company aims to continue fostering relationships that visualize unseen contributions, enhancing well-being both organizationally and within communities.

Note: Product names and trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Information in this article is accurate as of the publication date and may differ from the latest available data. Readers are advised to verify the most current details.