A property management brand describing itself as a 'soft developer,' focused on 20-minute neighborhoods in livable cities, is taking a major step to empower a key soft asset — its employees. Based in Setoda, Hiroshima, Staple Co., Ltd. recently announced the launch of Staple People's CO-OP, a hotel company owned, planned, managed and operated by its staff.
All employees who have worked for Staple People's CO-OP for several years will be invited to become shareholders and participate in the company's management and profits. Another aim is to create a fluid organizational structure without stark divisions between departments, encouraging staff members to move between development, planning and operations. As Kanako Watanabe, General Manager of Staple's Hotel K5, explains: "I believe that the hotels that will be needed in the future are those pursuing value rather than profit, with teams that can create movements rather than smash hits."
With plans to run hotels across Japan, Staple People's CO-OP is kicking off in Okayama City, where it has taken over management of A-and-A, an existing boutique property.
