Asuno System, a Tokyo-based IT systems developer, has introduced a welfare service that converts employee appreciation into electronic-money points [1].

This initiative targets the psychological well-being of staff by providing tangible rewards for peer recognition. By integrating gratitude into the daily workflow, the company aims to strengthen internal communication and increase overall motivation within its corporate culture [1, 2].

The service, called "Thanks Peer," operates through Microsoft Teams [1, 2]. Employees send messages of appreciation to their colleagues via the platform. These expressions of gratitude are then converted into points that can be exchanged for electronic money [1, 2].

Asuno System maintains a presence in six locations, including its Tokyo headquarters and five other cities across Japan [1]. The company believes that giving rewards for recognition fosters a more supportive environment, one where employees feel their hard work is visible to their peers [2].

Staff members have reported that the system provides a more concrete sense of validation than words alone. Haruki Shiotani, a third-year employee at Asuno System, said the points make him feel that his efforts are recognized. He said that it serves as a way to reconfirm emotional connections and trust within the team [1].

The program is already in use as of this week [1]. It represents a shift toward gamifying corporate gratitude to combat the isolation or burnout often associated with high-pressure IT environments [1, 2].

“"Words alone are one thing, but points make me feel my hard work is recognized."”

The transition from verbal praise to monetary rewards reflects a broader trend in corporate wellness where companies attempt to quantify 'soft' metrics like gratitude. By attaching a financial value to peer recognition, Asuno System is experimenting with an incentive-based social layer to improve employee retention and morale in the competitive Japanese tech sector.