In a bid to attract young talent amid Japan’s declining
workforce, companies are adopting innovative employee benefits. While larger
corporations offer salary hikes, smaller firms are taking a different approach
by providing unconventional leave policies to stand out.
One such company, TrustRing, a tech firm based in Osaka, has
implemented unique leave options, including time off for hangovers and
emotional distress caused by celebrity news. These unusual benefits are
designed to create a more flexible and appealing work environment for
employees.
A Workplace That Cares About Hangovers and Celebrity News
TrustRing has gained attention for its “hangover leave”
policy, allowing employees to take time off after a night of drinking. The idea
is to let workers rest and return to the office feeling more productive rather
than forcing themselves to work while exhausted.
A company employee who utilized this leave shared that
coming in late after a night out actually improved their efficiency, as they
could focus better after getting enough rest.
But that’s not the only unique policy in place. TrustRing
also offers “celebrity loss leave,” which grants employees time off when their
favorite celebrities make significant personal announcements, such as getting
married. One notable example occurred in 2021 when an employee took leave after
Japanese actor and musician Gen Hoshino announced his marriage to actress Yui
Aragaki.
A Strategy to Compete with Bigger Companies
TrustRing’s president, Daigaku Shimada, explained that such
policies help smaller companies stay competitive despite offering a starting
salary of 222,000 yen (approximately $1,400) per month, plus overtime pay. The
strategy appears successful, as the company has reported strong business
performance and retained all employees over the past three years.
To further enhance the work environment, TrustRing has also
installed a drinks bar in the office, making it a more relaxed and engaging
space for employees. The company’s unconventional benefits have sparked
discussion online, with many people praising the initiative. Some social media
users humorously suggested that they would adopt more favorite celebrities just
to take additional days off.
Other Companies Offering Similar Benefits
TrustRing isn’t the only company experimenting with flexible
leave policies. In China, supermarket chain Pangdonglai has introduced “unhappy
leave,” allowing employees to take up to 10 extra days off if they feel
emotionally drained or unmotivated. The company’s founder, Yu Donglai,
emphasized the importance of mental well-being in the workplace, stating that
employees should have the freedom to take breaks when needed.
The Future of Workplace Benefits?
As businesses continue to explore new ways to support
employee well-being, unique leave policies like these may become more common.
Whether it’s hangover recovery, celebrity heartbreak, or stress relief,
companies are recognizing that work-life balance plays a crucial role in
productivity and job satisfaction.
TrustRing’s approach may inspire more firms to rethink
traditional leave policies and prioritize employee happiness in creative ways.