In an effort to balance productivity and promote healthier lifestyles, Tokyo’s Piala Inc. has implemented a policy granting non-smoking employees an extra six days of paid leave each year.
This decision was prompted by feedback from staff who observed that colleagues’ smoking breaks were leading to unequal working hours.
Given the company’s location on the 29th floor, each smoking break extended to at least 15 minutes, accumulating over time.
CEO Takao Asuka introduced this measure to compensate non-smokers and motivate smokers to quit. The initiative has seen encouraging outcomes, with several employees choosing to quit smoking and many non-smokers utilizing the additional leave.
This strategy not only addresses concerns about fairness and productivity but also contributes to public health efforts, as Japan has been noted for its relatively high smoking rates and lax anti-smoking policies.
By offering positive incentives rather than imposing penalties, Piala Inc. provides a noteworthy model for other organizations aiming to foster a healthier and more equitable workplace.
