#Japan #Tokyo #Office Lunch #Shashoku DELI

Understanding the Urban Lunch Crisis

Urban office workers are increasingly facing challenges when it comes to finding suitable lunch options in bustling city centers. A recent report by Wao Co., Ltd., shedding light on the experiences of 35 companies utilizing its corporate lunch delivery service, Shashoku DELI, unveils the serious problem known as "lunch survivors". These are employees struggling to find affordable and convenient lunch options amidst rising costs and changing office dynamics.

Background of the Investigation

In recent years, the landscape of office work has been transformed due to urban redevelopment and the growing popularity of hybrid working models, which combine remote work and office attendance. This shift has created new challenges concerning employees' lunch environments. The study analyzed feedback gathered from 35 companies that have implemented the Shashoku DELI service, revealing essential insights into contemporary office lunch scenarios.

Highlights of Research Findings

1. Reasons for Shashoku DELI Adoption
The top reason for adopting this service is the closure of existing employee cafeterias, with 60% of companies (22 firms) resorting to Shashoku DELI due to high maintenance costs and spatial constraints of their kitchen facilities. Approximately 30% (11 companies) have adopted the service in response to office relocations, particularly in high-rise locations where issues like elevator congestion and scarcity of affordable dining options have surfaced as key challenges.

2. Lunch Issues by Industry
- IT & Telecommunications (6 companies): Those who locate offices in urban hotspots face increasing lunch prices and a lack of in-person communication opportunities when working in hybrid settings. Many companies express the hope that utilizing bento boxes can foster internal employee engagement.
- Real Estate & Construction (6 companies): Companies in these sectors require convenience and fast meal options, given the constant movement between sites and offices.
- Manufacturing & Chemicals (6 companies): Amid aging cafeteria facilities, many firms are looking for alternatives that provide diverse menus catering to various age groups and genders.

Shashoku DELI as a Solution

To address these challenges, Shashoku DELI has been chosen for its ease of implementation without initial costs or extensive renovations. Each day, a wide variety of bento options are available. Many adopting firms report enhanced employee communication during lunch hours (17 companies) and a significant increase in employee satisfaction (23 companies). Shashoku DELI has evolved beyond a simple meal service, acting as a tool for organizational enhancement.

Comments from the Company

"The rise in living costs and shift to high-rise offices are diminishing employees' ability to enjoy their lunch breaks. Through Shashoku DELI, we aim to provide a range of affordable options that support companies in their health management and enhance internal communication," says the representative of Wao Co., Ltd.

What is Shashoku DELI?

Shashoku DELI is a welfare service utilizing available office space to provide daily changing bento options through face-to-face sales, minimizing the burden of facility investments and inventory management. Its contribution to creating a comfortable workplace is significant, promoting a better lunch environment for employees.

Key Features of Shashoku DELI

• - More than 30 types of varied Japanese, Western, and Chinese menus available daily, with seasonal specialties.
• - Streamlined operations with on-site sales staff managing everything from ordering to sales and cleanup.
• - No initial investment needed for facilities, ensuring smooth implementation.
• - Pricing as low as 350 yen per meal, enhancing satisfaction through corporate subsidies.

About Wao Co., Ltd.

Wao Co., Ltd. focuses on meal support services tailored for offices, contributing to employee wellbeing and increasing corporate value through its various offerings. Its expertise lies in face-to-face bento distribution and providing easy setup along with low operational burdens, leading to sustainable utilization.

Main Business Divisions

• - Bento-focused employee cafeteria service: Shashoku DELI
• - Delivery bento service for corporations and organizations: Obento Deli
• - Food court specializing in takeout: Yatai DELI
• - Catering comprehensive site: Hakobu Catering

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Wao Co., Ltd.
• - Representative: President Akira Uradani
• - Location: 11th floor, Shibuya 363 Shimizu Building, 3-6-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0002
• - Established: September 2003
• - Services: Planning, operation, and sales of "Shashoku DELI", "Obento Deli", "Yatai DELI", and "Hakobu Catering".
• - Capital: 1,000 million yen
• - Website: Wao Co., Ltd.