Leafea Partners with Niigata Shinkin Bank to Launch Community-Focused Employee Benefit Program "Shain no Mikata" to Promote Regional Economy

Leafea Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Wataru Morita; hereinafter referred to as Leafea), a provider of community-focused employee benefit services, has begun a partnership with Niigata Shinkin Bank (Head Office: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; Chairman: Shigeki Komatsu). Starting April 1st (Wednesday), Niigata Shinkin Bank will offer the community-focused employee benefit service "Shain no Mikata," aiming to foster regional revitalization and support those working hard every day.

Background and Objectives of the Partnership

In recent years, companies have faced increasing challenges related to human resources, such as labor shortages and rising labor costs, leading to a growing interest in improving employee retention and satisfaction.

Niigata Shinkin Bank, with its management philosophy of "Striving for the prosperity of members, customers, and employees by adhering to harmony and sound management to contribute to the development and improved living standards of regional small and medium-sized enterprises and residents," has focused on stimulating regional consumption and providing employee benefits that enable SMEs to achieve real wage increases.

Leafea's community-focused employee benefit service (app name: "Shain no Mikata") supports company employees by enhancing employee benefits, often referred to as a "third wage increase." Through the app, companies can offer gift rewards to employees and provide coupons that can also be used by employees' families. It also aims to improve the job satisfaction and engagement of employees working at adopting companies.

The more local stores available for use, the more "Shain no Mikata" becomes a familiar and accessible community-focused employee benefit for employees. Furthermore, by utilizing region-specific gifts, it promotes economic circulation within the region, leading to the revitalization of the entire area. Niigata Shinkin Bank and Leafea will continue to cooperate in these efforts to contribute to regional revitalization.

About "Shain no Mikata"

The employee benefit service "Shain no Mikata," provided by Leafea, allows companies to offer employees discount benefits at over 100,000 partner stores nationwide by paying a monthly fee. Additionally, companies can send "gifts with messages (*)" to employees, conveying gratitude and encouragement, designed to foster a sense of connection in daily life.

The service also includes a 10% discount at convenience stores and an all-in-one stress check function, which is expected to become mandatory in the future, realizing comprehensive employee benefits that include mental and physical care.

As an employee benefit app that achieves high utilization rates at the industry's lowest cost, the number of adopting companies is steadily increasing, and data indicating improved employee engagement is beginning to emerge. Its high cost-performance and contribution to creating a supportive work environment are its key features.

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