The Purr-fect Workplace: Could it be Taylor Swift’s Favourite Japanese Company?

In today’s world, pet-friendly spaces like coffee shops, restaurants, and even offices are becoming increasingly popular. But one Japanese tech company, Qnote, has taken this trend to an entirely new level by hiring not just one or two, but ten feline employees! Yes, you read that correctly—these cats are more than just furry companions; they hold actual positions within the company, complete with titles like “Chaircat,” which is, believe it or not, the highest-ranking position in the organization.

A Unique Beginning

The story of Qnote’s cat-filled office began in 2004 when the company adopted its first cat from a local sushi restaurant. Over time, this single feline addition grew into a full-blown feline workforce. Today, Qnote is home to 10 cat employees who freely roam around the office, making it one of the most unique workplaces in the world. The company has even gone as far as renovating their office space to cater to their feline colleagues’ needs.

A Cat's Paradise

In 2020, Qnote expanded into a larger, four-story office building, giving them the opportunity to create a true paradise for their cats. The second and third floors were specifically designed with the well-being of these feline employees in mind. The office now features 12 cat-friendly toilets and specially designed cat shelves. The walls are even painted to prevent nail marks, ensuring the cats can scratch to their heart’s content without causing damage.

But these accommodations are not just for show. The cats at Qnote have actual job titles and responsibilities. Among them are a “chief clerk,” a “manager,” and an “auditor.” And at the top of the hierarchy sits 20-year-old Futaba, the “Chaircat,” who outranks even the company’s CEO, Nobuyuki Tsuruta.

The Cats Behind the Titles

The feline team at Qnote comes from a variety of backgrounds. Six of them are Futaba’s offspring, one was brought in by an employee, and another was saved from a road accident by a staff member. The team also includes a former stray cat and one that was adopted from a cat café. Originally, the office had 11 cats, but sadly, one passed away in 2022. Now, eight cats live full-time at the office, while two others reside with an employee.

The Impact on Company Culture

Having cats in the office has done wonders for Qnote’s work environment. The presence of these furry friends has significantly reduced the company’s attrition rate, with fewer employees choosing to leave the company. The cats have also become a unique selling point for attracting new talent, as anyone applying to work at Qnote must be a true cat lover. The company’s dedication to their feline coworkers is even reflected in their logo, which features a cat.

Tsuruta believes that these feline colleagues do more than just curl up in cozy corners—they’re the secret ingredient to a thriving workplace. The cats weave their magic by helping employees connect, nudging them to take those much-needed breaks, and even giving managers a sneak peek into the personalities of their team members. How someone interacts with the cats can reveal a lot about their character and approach to work.

In an era where work-life balance is more than just a buzzword, Qnote’s cat-friendly culture is a masterclass in innovative thinking. By embracing these furry coworkers, the company has crafted a workspace that’s not just productive, but genuinely joyful. With cats setting the tone, Qnote has discovered that sometimes, the best leader doesn’t need a corner office—just a comfy spot by the window.