Many people now work both at home and in an office. This can be comfortable, but teams may talk less in person. A Japanese technology company, HENNGE, has an unusual answer.
It now pays workers 5,000 yen for each eligible day. An eligible day includes office work with other people. It can also include visiting customers or running events. The goal is better teamwork and more new ideas. (hennge.com)
The company calls this a physical communication allowance. An allowance is extra money from an employer. “Physical communication” means meeting and talking face to face. For many workers, this money comes with a later bonus.
Here is a simple example. A worker usually does quiet tasks at home. On another day, she goes to the office. She discusses a problem with her team. They share ideas and find an answer together. That day can bring her extra pay.
The system does not only reward travel to work. It rewards real meetings with coworkers and customers. The office is not only a place for tasks. It is also a place to connect.