In the last week of August, I went on a 4-day, 3-night workation to Sado Island. The main goal of this trip was to strengthen our team at the Sado office, which our company recently opened. While most of our work is done online, meeting face-to-face with the local team aims to build a stronger, more connected group. This was my second visit to Sado Island but the first since opening the office there.

Traveling from Tokyo to Sado Island

From Tokyo, I took the Shinkansen to Niigata, and then a jetfoil ferry to Sado. Onboard were people enjoying fishing and families spending their summer vacation. Just a few seats ahead of me was a lively group of men chatting with fishing rods in hand.

While much of Japan experienced heatwaves nearing 40°C, Sado enjoyed a comfortable climate with a pleasant autumn breeze after Obon (the traditional Japanese mid-August holiday to honor ancestors). It was the perfect environment to focus on work.

Strengthening the Organization

At the Sado office, team members handle client meetings, take meeting minutes, introduce job opportunities to candidates, and coordinate interview schedules. Although communication mostly happens online, we gather in person several times a year to share challenges, goals, and review projects.

This in-person meeting allowed us to discuss small improvements that often get overlooked online, strengthening team bonds even more.

The Unique Appeal of Sado Island

During lunch breaks, we enjoyed fresh local fish at a nearby restaurant — a true highlight of workation life.

Our Sado office offers a quiet, calm environment that helps foster concentration and productivity, adding to the many benefits of working there.

Closing Thoughts

This workation was not just about improving efficiency but also deepening trust among team members. In an era where remote work is standard, face-to-face time is more important than ever to build a strong organization. As a recruitment agency and company, we feel this balance is crucial.

We will continue embracing new ways of working to deliver valuable services to both our brand clients and candidates.

If you are considering a new challenge in a high-end brand, or if your company is looking to hire, please feel free to reach out for a consultation.

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