Leafea Partners with Niigata Shinkin Bank to Launch 'Shain no Mikata,' a Community-Focused Employee Benefit Program, to Boost Regional Economy

Leafea Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Wataru Morita), a provider of community-based employee benefit services, has entered into a partnership with Niigata Shinkin Bank (Headquarters: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; Chairman: Shigeki Komatsu). Starting Wednesday, April 1st, Niigata Shinkin Bank will begin offering the community-focused welfare service 'Shain no Mikata' to support regional revitalization and the hardworking individuals in the area.

Background and Purpose of the Partnership

In recent years, companies have faced increasing challenges regarding human resources due to labor shortages and rising personnel costs, leading to a heightened focus on improving employee retention and satisfaction.

Niigata Shinkin Bank, which operates under the management philosophy of contributing to the development and improved living standards of local small and medium-sized enterprises and residents through harmony and sound management, identified the need for a welfare program that can stimulate local consumption and enable small and medium-sized businesses to achieve substantial wage increases.

The community-based welfare service provided by Leafea (dedicated app name: 'Shain no Mikata') supports employees by enhancing benefits, often referred to as a 'third wage increase.' Through the app, employees can receive gift rewards and coupons that their families can also use, while the service is designed to improve employee motivation and engagement at participating companies.

'Shain no Mikata' becomes a more familiar and community-integrated benefit as the number of participating local stores increases. Furthermore, by utilizing region-specific gifts, the service promotes economic circulation within the area, leading to overall regional revitalization. Niigata Shinkin Bank and Leafea will continue to work together to contribute to such regional development.

About 'Shain no Mikata'

The 'Shain no Mikata' welfare service allows companies to pay a monthly fee, granting their employees access to discount benefits at over 100,000 partner stores nationwide. Additionally, companies can send 'gifts with messages' (*) to employees, expressing gratitude and encouragement, which helps foster a sense of connection in daily life.

In addition to a 10% discount at convenience stores, the service provides an all-in-one solution that includes stress check functions, which are expected to become mandatory in the future, offering comprehensive care for both the physical and mental well-being of employees.

As a welfare app that achieves high utilization rates at some of the lowest costs in the industry, the number of adopting companies is steadily increasing, and data showing improvements in employee engagement is beginning to emerge. Its high cost-performance and contribution to creating a better workplace environment are its key features.

(*) These can be exchanged for tickets that can be used at partner stores.

Overview of Niigata Shinkin Bank

Name: Niigata Shinkin Bank

Head Office: 855-1 Nishiboridori 5-bancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

Official Website: https://www.niigata-shinkin.co.jp/

Overview of Leafea Inc.

Name: Leafea Inc.

Head Office: THE GATE Kayabacho 3F, 1-10-3 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Official Website: https://leafea.co.jp