Japanese Tech Firm Employs Cats to Boost Workplace Morale and Well-being
In a unique blend of pet-friendly workplace culture and corporate innovation, a Japanese tech company, Qnote, has taken the concept of animal companionship to an entirely new level by officially hiring cats. While pet-friendly offices are becoming more common, Qnote stands out with 10 feline employees, each holding specific designations, including the highest-ranking position of “Chaircat.”
Feline Staff: From Sushi Restaurant to Office Hierarchy
Qnote’s journey into the world of feline employment began in 2004 when the company adopted its first cat from a local sushi restaurant. Over the years, the office’s feline family grew to 10, and these cats aren’t just wandering around the office aimlessly. They hold official positions in the company’s hierarchy. Among them is Futaba, a 20-year-old cat with the esteemed title of “Chaircat,” outranking even the company’s president, Nobuyuki Tsuruta.
The cats’ roles go beyond symbolism, with positions like “chief clerk,” “manager,” and “auditor,” and they are an integral part of the company’s culture. Six of the cats are offspring of Chaircat Futaba, while others were adopted under different circumstances, including one rescued from an accident and another from a cat café.
A Feline-friendly workspace
In 2020, Qnote moved to a larger, four-story office building and undertook extensive renovations to ensure the space was as comfortable for the cats as it was for their human colleagues. The second and third floors of the building were modified with the felines in mind. Twelve custom-designed cat toilets were installed, alongside cat-friendly shelves for climbing. Walls were also painted with scratch-resistant materials to accommodate the cats’ natural behaviors.
Of the company’s 10 feline employees, eight live full-time at the office, while two stay with an employee. Sadly, one cat passed away in 2022, leaving the office with 10 current “cat employees” who interact daily with the firm’s 32 human workers.
Impact on company culture and retention
The introduction of cats into the office has had a notable effect on company culture and employee satisfaction. According to Qnote, the presence of these furry companions has significantly reduced the company’s attrition rate. Employees report higher job satisfaction, with many crediting the cats for creating a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment.
Tsuruta explained to Mainichi Shimbun that the cats not only help staff take necessary breaks but also act as icebreakers, fostering stronger relationships among team members. The way employees interact with the cats even provides managers with insights into their personalities and team dynamics.
Given the central role of the cats at Qnote, it’s no surprise that anyone applying to work there must be a true feline enthusiast. The company’s affection for cats is evident, even in its branding. Qnote’s official logo prominently features a cat, reflecting its commitment to its unique work culture.
For Qnote, the decision to employ cats has proven to be more than a gimmick—it’s a strategy that has enhanced workplace happiness, improved retention, and brought a sense of community to the company.
