Furry friends at the workplace bring a unique twist to office life, say employees of Japanese tech firm Qnote.
In a world where unique office perks are becoming commonplace, one Japanese company has taken it to the next level by appointing cats as official staff members, earning widespread attention on social media. Qnote, a tech company specializing in web and app design, has embraced feline companionship as a central part of its workplace culture.
It all began in 2004 when the company adopted its first cat, Futaba, from a sushi restaurant. Since then, Qnote has “hired” 10 more cats, assigning them whimsical office roles such as “chief clerk,” “manager,” and even “chaircat.” Futaba, now 20 years old, holds the prestigious title of chaircat, outranking even the company’s CEO, Nobuyuki Tsuruta.
A Cat-Focused Workplace
Qnote’s four-story office, renovated to accommodate its furry team members, includes 12 cat-friendly toilets, custom shelves, and scratch-resistant walls. Out of the original 11 cats, eight currently live in the office full-time, while two reside at an employee’s home. The feline hierarchy includes six cats born to Futaba and a co-worker’s pet, along with rescues saved from traffic accidents and shelters.
For the 32 human employees, the cats have become more than just pets. Tsuruta emphasizes that the cats foster a sense of camaraderie, helping staff bond and encouraging necessary work breaks—thanks to occasional cat-induced interruptions. “The presence of the cats has been instrumental in team bonding,” Tsuruta shared with Mainichi Shimbun. “Employees take turns feeding the cats and cleaning their litter boxes, treating them like family.”
Cats as a Hiring Magnet
Tsuruta, an avid cat lover, said the cats have even helped attract new talent and reduced employee turnover. Prospective employees are encouraged to be “cat lovers,” and Qnote’s company logo and website are filled with cat imagery, reinforcing its feline-focused identity. The company’s innovative approach has proven to be an effective recruitment tool, attracting candidates who appreciate the office’s laid-back, animal-friendly environment.
Social Media Buzz
Online users have showered the company with praise. “I envy the human staff working there,” one commenter said. Another remarked: “The fact that Futaba has lived 20 years shows how well they treat their animals.” The company’s blend of humor, compassion, and business savvy has not only charmed the public but also helped build a positive and motivated workplace.
Qnote’s creative use of cats as “employees” underscores the positive impact that animals can have in reducing workplace stress, encouraging team collaboration, and even improving productivity. It’s a model that other companies might just find themselves adopting.
Related Topics
Are Japanese Bobtails expensive?
