JFE Shoji’s Osaka Office won the Kinki New Office Promotion Award at the 37th Annual Nikkei New Office Awards. Organized by Nikkei Inc. and the New Office Promotion Association, the New Office Awards provide annual recognition of innovative office designs. The aim is to promote the “New Office” concept the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry proposed . The judges awarded the Osaka Office the prize for how well every aspect of its design reflects the theme of “an office that connects, conveys and continues.”

The recent renovations to the Osaka Office involved project members selected from departments and Group companies. They surveyed employees and negotiated with architectural design companies. The new design eliminated the partition walls between Group companies, creating a corridor that circles the office from the entrance and is wide enough for three or four people to walk side-by-side. Steel tones were chosen as the color scheme for the office’s flooring. Ornamental plants were also placed throughout the office to increase green visibility.

There were also a number of playful references to JFE Shoji’s business, such as naming conference rooms with element symbols such as Fe, as well as using steel materials in the walls, desks and other items. The new office is popular with both employees and customers.