Work Paradise: From Flexible Hours to Casual Leave, This Company Has It All!

When we talk about Japanese work culture, we will somehow link it with long working hours and a strong sense of duty are prevalent, reflecting the commitment to the company.

Today I want to share something different, this company implements flexible working hours, casual leave, cafes, saunas, and candy shops for employees to use. The boss chases people off on knock-off time and even helps with childcare. Would you like to work for such a company?

Terumitsu Sakaguchi, a 41-year-old entrepreneur with distinctive tattoos and blonde hair, may look like a yakuza member, but he is, in fact, a legitimate businessman., a print processing company in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. In 2014, at the age of 32, Terumitsu Sakaguchi became the third-generation president of Sakaguchi Nassen. When he took over, the company had 15 employees, printing around 5 million pieces of clothing annually, with an annual turnover of about 50 million yen. Under his leadership and his bold reforms, including reduced working hours, a ban on overtime, and expanded benefits such as casual leave, have contributed to a remarkable 20-fold increase in annual turnover.

Each day, Sakaguchi arrives at the factory in his eye-catching blue Jeep at 7:15, conducting a unique morning routine that involves grooming himself and engaging in a photo session for social media posts. Despite his self-assured and unconventional style, Sakaguchi’s commitment to his company and employees is evident.

To help everyone stay fit and relax their minds and bodies, the company has abandoned the disliked and outdated traditional radio calisthenics. They have specifically hired a professional yoga instructor to teach everyone. Yoga is considered a form of welfare, and morning sessions are not mandatory for all employees; participation is entirely voluntary. Whether you want to join or not is up to you. If you can’t make it, you can continue sleeping at home.

At 9:00 AM, which is the official start time, employees gradually arrive at the company. They enjoy a leisurely and carefree atmosphere without worrying about being late. This is because, in reality, there are no fixed working hours; all scheduling is left to the discretion of the employees. Female employees with families typically have a relaxed morning routine, enjoying breakfast at home with their families, sending their children to kindergarten, and then attending to some household chores before coming to the office. This flexibility allows them to balance their family and work responsibilities better.

To ensure parents can work peacefully until the end of their shifts, they can bring their children along when going home. The company has a dedicated children’s play area and snack corner, with personnel overseeing and ensuring a safe environment. Candy and cookies are freely available; stationery items like pencils and erasers are provided at cost. If an employee needs to take a sudden leave due to health issues or personal reasons, the team leader readily approves it without bothering about reasons.

Overtime is not compulsory, and when the clock strikes the designated time, the team leader kindly urges everyone to head home. The company encourages employees to spend time with their families or engage in activities they love. Despite its seemingly utopian environment, getting into this company might be easier than expected. The company’s recruitment has minimal requirements; as long as you are physically sound and willing to work, even individuals aged 78 to 86 are welcomed with open arms.

With an annual turnover approaching 1 billion yen and the quality of its products widely acknowledged, Sakaguchi Nassen stands out as a beacon of progressive workplace practices in Japan. Sakaguchi’s visionary leadership has transformed the company into a model of success, where employee comfort, happiness, and overall well-being are prioritized.

Dear reader, do you wish to work in such a company too? Leave a comment to let me know.

That’s all for today, thank you for reading.