Desk Workers × Baby Crawling Race! A Day at the Mercy of Baby Power: Job Exchange Program Vol.1

A sudden invitation arrived at the desk of Katami from the Brand Communication Department of Seven & i Holdings.

The sender was Akachan Honpo Co., Ltd., and the message was...

"Would you like to participate in organizing a 'Baby Crawling Race' to create memories for babies and families?"

This was the beginning of the "Job Exchange Program".

The "Job Exchange Program" is an original "exchange" initiative by  "Asupresso" for employees of Seven & i Group companies, where participants experience the work of various group companies. The goal is to gain insights, learn, and discover work-related tips that can connect to the participants' future. Although I had heard rumors about it, I never imagined that, as one of the people behind this initiative, I would end up organizing an event where babies are the main stars...

Katami’s usual work involves planning and directing the production of the corporate website, as well as meetings with advertising agencies. He spends his days mostly at his desk, interacting with "adult" business people. Although he himself is a father who has taken paternity leave, organizing an event like the Baby Crawling Race, where babies are the main focus,was, of course, an entirely new experience for him.

There was no doubt that a series of unexpected developments awaited him. This was a special day that he would never experience in their daily work. How will it change his perspective on both his job and life.

The venue for this Crawling Race was the 7-Eleven Matsudo Tokiwadaira Station Store. With a fully equipped kids' room, it provides a comfortable environment not only for babies but also for siblings who may accompany them.

After gathering, Katami immediately receives an explanation of the Crawling Race and instructions on his role from trainer Niiya. The race is divided into three parts, with three babies participating in each race. Each part will have 5 to 6 races, so Katami will be in charge of 15th to 18th races. The venue also has a space for stamping babies’ handprints and footprints. In addition to managing the race, He will also experience the important task of assisting with the handprint and footprint stamping!

"Alright, let’s get ready!"

With those words, Katami’s usual day, spent at his computer, suddenly changes. He spreads the mats, puts up the race schedule, and prepares the toys... He, who is usually perfect at desk work, now feels like a new employee as he watches the Akachan Honpo staff smoothly set up the venue.

What can be felt from the staff's backs is their desire to create an enjoyable experience for both the babies and their families, who are there to watch over them.

While the "rookie" Katami is still admiring everything, the setup for the Crawling Race is complete. The race is about to begin in just a little while.

Katami gets more and more nervous as the race gets closer. It was a completely different kind of nervousness compared to launching a new project on the corporate website.

While supporting babies who suddenly start crying or assisting customers taking commemorative photos at the photo spots between races, the start time for the next Crawling Race continues to draw closer by the minute.

Even so, the staff at Akachan Honpo never lose their smiles, calmly handling the events happening within the venue. There’s no need for special calls between staff members. A natural flow has been established, where someone steps in wherever support is needed.

Finally, the babies line up at the starting line, and the race begins!

"On your mark... Let's crawl~!"

With the call, the families on the goal side begin enthusiastically cheering for their babies. Some babies notice the voices, while others crawl in the opposite direction, and some even start crying. But it's this unpredictability that makes the crawling race so fun. Cheers erupt, and the atmosphere in the venue becomes lively and full of excitement!

And finally, he joins as a race staff member, standing beside the mat. While he usually handles progress management efficiently, today is a series of unexpected moments. When he tries to guide a baby with a toy, they crawl in the opposite direction. When he calls out, the baby stops in their tracks.

Unpredictable developments happening right in front him, not on a computer monitor. It was a whole new world where neither his usual work experience nor his parenting skills could be applied.

But the same goes for the families who interact with their babies daily. It’s precisely because the outcomes are unpredictable that everyone present becomes captivated by the Crawling Race, and smiles naturally spread across their faces.

As the race continued, surrounded by the smiles in the venue, something began to change within him.

Additionally, from observing the staff at Akachan Honpo, I gained even more new insights. It’s because they have been dedicated to the Crawling Race that they are able to provide such detailed, on-site responses unique to this event.

While learning from the staff at Akachan Honpo, Katami gradually became more confident in managing the Crawling Race. His final task was taking handprints and footprints from the babies. Using the same hands that usually type on a keyboard, he gently touched the tiny hands and feet of the babies.

Carefully, ensuring that the baby feels comfortable. Sensing the mood of the moment and putting heartfelt effort into every single action. He stayed by the babies and their families, helping them create memories that could only be made here.

In the Crawling Race, every participant receives a certificate. There are no rankings. This event, where we witness the babies take their first steps, treats everyone as a first prize winner. This way of thinking was something I would never have imagined in my usual work.

There are many sites within the Seven & i Group where employees directly engage with customers. "Customer perspective" is put into practice at Akachan Honpo and Seven-Eleven Japan, among others. The attitude of thinking from the customer’s point of view is something that applies across all industries. This may be the great potential of the Group.

Although there were times when he found the energy of the babies challenging to keep up with, this experience of running the Crawling Race brought a definite change within him.

The "Job Exchange Program" will continue. The next invitation might just arrive at your doorstep!

This text has been translated using an automatic translation tool.