Fujitsu Japan enhances work experience with pet office

Japanese tech equipment and services firm Fujitsu is trailing a pet office, in hopes that workers would be able to enjoy their workplace experience more by allowing pets in the office. 

In July, the firm opened its first “dog office” in one of its offices in Kawasaki, near Tokyo. The space, opened on trial till the end of the year, has workstations for three employees and space for up to six dogs at any one time. 

The space also offers a range of pet supplies and features stain-proof carpets.

Yuka Hatagaki was one Fujitsu employee who was lured back to the office a few times each month along with her 5-year-old Maltese-poodle cross, Noel, according to Reuters. “I thought [this] would be a great place to come and communicate with other people with the help of our dogs,” said Hatagaki.

Fujitsu said its main aim for the trail is not to attract workers back to the office. The firm has previously said that it would make working from home a permanent option even after the pandemic. 

READ: More firms in Japan rethink employee transfer policies

Teleworking in the country rose from 10 to 28% between December 2019 and May 2020, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

However, as the effects of the pandemic subside, more workers are returning to the office. Teleworking among workers in their 20s and 30s has declined rapidly, revealed surveys by the Japan Productivity Centre.