Future Stories: The Cordiale Farm

“Future Stories” is a series in which we interview Group employees about initiatives that will lead to a future with Space for your Smile.

The theme of this article is about the Cordiale Farm (hereinafter referred to as Kumamoto Farm).
Kumamoto Farm is an indoor farm operated in Kumamoto with the aim of providing opportunities and places for people with disabilities to work, and some employees of SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "SJC") are working there. The farm is operated by JSH Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as JSH)

We interviewed a member of Human Resource Division about the farm. We hope to tell how the farm is like and what people working in the farm are keeping in mind during their daily work.

―――Interviewee

Initiatives at the Cordiale Farm

―――First of all, please tell us about Kumamoto Farm.

Suzuki：Kumamoto Farm is an indoor farm operated by JSH, where people with disabilities are hired by various companies and engage in hydroponics at the farm.
It is a completely indoor facility and prepared such as air conditioning equipment and barrier-free support. In addition, nurses are always stationed to prepare an environment for employees so that they could work comfortably.

Now, four of our employees are working there.
Vegetables such as basil and dill are carefully and safely grown, and those fresh vegetables are sold in stores and delivered to restaurants in the vicinity. Vegetables are also sent to our locations in Tokyo to accelerate communication among employees .

Left: The Kumamoto Farm　 Right: Harvested vegetables are sold at stores and local restaurants

―――Please tell us what you value in your efforts at Kumamoto Farm.

Suzuki：Although I work at our head office in Akasaka, I always pay attention to communicate and follow up with members of Kumamoto Farm.
Although the distance between Kumamoto Farm and our head office is far away, we are always thinking about how to keep them motivated and aware that they are part of our company.
For example, we asked employees to participate in internal communication measures and provided opportunities for online conversations with employees from other departments. In addition, we regularly conduct online interviews, and at that time, we try to get to know the other person deeply by talking about our personal lives and hobbies.

When I ask them what they like and what they are good at, I can imagine how they can demonstrate their abilities in their daily work. So, I ask them “Why don't you try to do that in your work next time? “.
For example, one of the members likes comedy, and he’s good at getting his team excited. The other member likes knitting, dexterous with her hands, so she can concentrate on the details work.

I focus on advising each staff member so that they can leverage their interests and strengths.

―――Has there been any change in the team during your involvement at Kumamoto Farm?

Suzuki：I feel that each member has realized what they are good at and has devised ways to make use of it in their work, which has made cooperation among members smoother than others. We think that we have reached a state where we can communicate comfortably while thinking about each other, such as knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses, sharing the burden of making the most of what we are good at, and following up on what we are not good at.

―――So you have changed to the current good state while improving every day.

Vegetables such as dill and basil grown by our employees.

―――We have identified“Achieving DE&I that encourages diverse personnel to play an active role" as one of our materiality. How do you think this is connected to the initiatives at Kumamoto Farm?

Suzuki：In terms of "realizing DE&I," as I mentioned earlier, I think we have gradually been able to create a situation where each individual can make the most of their individuality through regular online interviews.
I believe that by understanding and following up with each other, including each other's strengths and weaknesses, we can bring out more strengths, so I talk to the staff members and give advice to help them get to that state.

―――How about connection with social issues?

Suzuki：In terms of social issues, in addition to providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, I believe that we have been able to contribute to regional revitalization.
In Japan, there is an issue that employment of people with disabilities is not progressing, especially in rural areas, but JSH, which operates Kumamoto Farm, is working on regional revitalization by developing its business only in the region of Kyushu.
They are truly realizing to solve social issues through business, and I am very sympathetic to that attitude.

Not only for your own company, but also for the members who work at Kumamoto Farm and their families, the social issue of regional revitalization, and the approach that emphasizes collaboration with partner companies like ours, and I would like to cherish such awareness.

(Interview held on April 3, 2024)

SJC employs people with disabilities at each location, as well as at the Kumamoto Farm introduced in this article.
In order to achieve the Group's materiality theme of “Active participation of diverse human resources”, we will continue to promote various systems and measures.