PayPay shifted to a “new workstyle” last September, allowing “Work from Anywhere, at Anytime” (WFA). Nearly six months after its launch, a number of issues associated with this work style have become apparent, and for this reason, we have decided to start a new series of articles featuring WFA to offer insight into solving the challenges of working remotely by sharing some creative and specific practices our colleagues have adopted. This time, we would like to introduce Kawai-san, who was born in Nagoya and raised in Gifu. Here are some of the highlights and challenges she encountered moving from Tokyo to Nagoya, along with photos she took!
Asami Kawai
HRBP Team
How long have you been in Nagoya?
Since October 2020.
I decided to move at an early stage after the WFA system was introduced.
Why Nagoya?
I used to live in Tokyo, but the significance of living there diminished with the WFA system, so I wanted to move to a place that I’ve been familiar with since childhood. Also, I’ve always wanted to live near my parents, so I decided to take the plunge and live in Nagoya, which is close to Gifu and easy to get to Tokyo by bullet train.
Also, I’ve always loved cafes and coffee shops, so the coffee shop culture in Nagoya also appealed to me (laughs). If you love coffee shops, I recommend Nagoya!
How is remote work？
One of the biggest advantages is that I can work more efficiently because I don’t have to commute. On the other hand, it’s an environment where you can keep working, so I think it’s important to have self-control. In my case, I created the following routine:
1. Go to a gym close by
2. Start work
3. Shut down the computer and turn off notifications on my phone after work hours
4. Do what I like to do before going to bed（watch Korean dramas）
My commute used to be my “on/off switch” for shifting from work mode to private mode. I replaced that with going to the gym and shutting down the PC. That way, I can get myself focused in a short period of time.
Also, I’ve been doing a lot of sitting since I started working from home, so I’ve developed neck hernia (I couldn’t sit down to work for some time because of the intense pain). So… I decided to pamper myself and bought a nice chair!
That said, it’s also nice to work from home since you can set up a desk environment that suits your height. In an office you get a standardized desk and chair.
A word of advice for those who are considering moving out of Tokyo with WFA.
I think there are both good and bad sides to WFA. I’d say that the key is knowing what environment you’re comfortable working in and self-control. For example, if you’re not good at switching between work and private life (like me), you’ll need to have a strong will and decide on what your on/off switch would be, not force yourself to do things that don’t need to be done that day, and ignore your work phone after work (I’m still trying to figure it out myself). I also think it’s important to have a hobby that you can refresh yourself with. For me, that’s reading books at my favorite cafe or watching Korean dramas. If anyone is considering moving, it might be a good idea to imagine yourself in that situation and do some simulation (surroundings, relationships, living environment, and so forth).
【Finally】
How was WFA × Life in Aichi?
I had the impression that she adjusted and harmonized the balance between her work and personal life well, consequently becoming productive under the WFA system.
If you want to know more about life in Aichi, why don’t you ask Kawai-san and consider whether moving is also an option for you?
Interview / editing: Takashi
* The information given is as of the time of the interview.
* The content of this article is confidential.
