In a fast-paced world where workplace stress is all too common, one company in Tokyo has discovered a purr-fect solution: letting cats share office space with employees. Ferray, an IT firm run by CEO Hidenobu Fukuda, implemented a heartwarming policy that allows cats to roam freely in the office throughout the day. While some may question the productivity of such an environment, employees at Ferray are more relaxed, focused, and emotionally energized—thanks in part to their feline coworkers.
Interestingly, the idea originated from a staff member, not Fukuda himself. Yet once the suggestion was made, he wholeheartedly embraced it. Since as early as 2000, furry companions have been a staple in the office setting. To encourage animal welfare and mental well-being, Fukuda even offers employees a ¥5,000 (about $45) monthly bonus to adopt and care for stray cats.
The motivation behind Ferray’s feline-friendly atmosphere lies in Japan’s broader workplace culture. Long hours and overwork are widespread, especially in the tech sector. This environment can quickly lead to burnout and mental fatigue, ultimately reducing productivity. Ferray’s approach shows how integrating animals into the office can combat this challenge by offering emotional balance and tactile comfort.
Benefits of Cats in the Office Include:
- Reducing anxiety and stress levels
- Improving employee morale and camaraderie
- Encouraging affectionate breaks without disrupting workflow
- Promoting adoption and animal welfare
Ferray isn’t alone in this innovative approach. Oracle Japan includes pets in daily operations with their own canine “greeting and healing ambassador,” an Old English Sheepdog named Candy. Oracle has had similar friendly four-legged staff since 1991, and Candy even boasts her own social media accounts. The Pasona Group took things further—employing not just two goats in 2011, but also adding alpacas in 2013 to lighten their office mood.
Though the cats at Ferray sometimes “interrupt” business—stepping on keyboards, powering off machines, or ending calls—the staff welcome the trade-off, finding their presence comforting and therapeutic. “Cats are sleeping just beside us… it’s healing,” one employee said. The cats are well cared for with beds, toys, treats, and litter boxes, ensuring they’re as happy as their human colleagues.
This workplace isn’t just about allowing cats—it encourages employees to bring their own pets to work as well. If a pet passes away, Ferray even offers automatic bereavement leave, showing a deep respect for how much pets mean to their owners.
Ferray’s approach highlights a compelling shift in workplace dynamics, one in which emotional care and productivity go hand in hand. By blurring the line between homey comfort and the professional world, companies like Ferray are redefining the modern office.
There’s scientific support for this trend, too. Studies show that spending time with cats can significantly lower blood pressure and improve emotional resilience. Though allergies are common, many children in Japan exposed early to cats show decreased sensitivity in adulthood, suggesting the presence of animals could build resistance rather than discomfort over time.
For all their quirks—playing with cords, lounging on laptops, or unexpectedly pouncing on office supplies—cats give more than they take in office settings like Ferray’s. They help build a healthier, happier workspace where the sound of purring might someday become as typical as the tapping of a keyboard.
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